Xi Jinping’s “charm offensive” had hardly begun — punctuated by the standing ovation from a roomful of American CEOs even before the leader of this recognized genocidal regime offered his fervent desire for peace and friendship — when, over the weekend, as NBC News reported, “China Confronts U.S. Warship as Tension Grows Over Flashpoint.”
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army declared it had driven a U.S. destroyer away from the Paracel Islands, while the U.S. Navy simply said it conducted freedom of navigation exercises in international waters.
“China claims almost the entire South China Sea,” explained NBC, “including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.” Even though the “Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China’s claims had no legal basis.”
Sounds like trouble.
“It is certainly not yet war in the South China Sea,” an Al-Jazeera article from years ago states, “but it’s hardly peace, either.”
Just days before that, as dictator Xi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese were finally talking about de-frosting relations, a Chinese warship used its sonar, injuring Australian divers.
“According to an announcement by Defence Minister Richard Marles, the incident occurred ‘in international waters inside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone,’” noted Australia’s ABC, “and despite the Chinese ship receiving multiple warnings that the personnel were operating below the surface.”
Of course, the Chinese navy, coast guard and militia vessels have been constantly harassing the Philippines, Vietnam, and other countries in the South China Sea, which is why these countries are increasingly looking for U.S. help.
And it provides us a clearer context for China’s fanciful claims and terrible threats against Taiwan.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
Illustration created with PicFinder and Firefly
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