I didn’t want to let this go by without bringing it to your attention. At RealClearDefense Simon Tay and Jessica point out the hazards of looking at the bilateral relationship between China and the U. S. with a “war mentality”:
Most analysis in Singapore points to the clear bipartisan support for the U.S. to continue to be tough on China. In this regard, 2020 was a critical year for the broader re-examination of Singapore’s relations with both the U.S. and China, and what Singapore and other countries can and should do.
The pandemic has sharpened that awareness and accelerated the trends. Singapore can wish but can’t directly improve the U.S. and China relationship. But it has sought to increase its abilities to secure its own position if relations continue to deteriorate. This is not only in dealing with the two great powers, but also in its efforts for regional community, a rules-based international order and working with other countries.
These efforts are set in the context of avoiding a ‘war’ mentality, and the need to build consistent and steadfast engagement with other countries, taking a multilateral approach across a broad range of issues, especially in recovering and reconnecting in the wake of the pandemic.
For the security not only of Singapore but of many of the countries caught between the U.S. and China, there’s nothing more, and nothing less, to be done.
They do well to worry. The present situation with China, the U. S., and Singapore reminds me of the wisecrack about two wolves and a sheep arguing about what to have for dinner.
Singapore recently signed the RCEP treaty, which further integrates its economy with China’s. Essentially all of our allies in Europe and Asia have just signed treaties that increase their economic dependence on China. The US is not a participant in either. Decoupling is dead.
Our allies have indicated that they want the US and China to resolve their differences peacefully and now. This means stopping the sanctions nonsense, the sabotage of Huawei, and the inciting of Taiwanese independence (a casus belli). Our elites don’t seem to get the message. If they screw up, our system of alliances in Europe and Asia is finished.
Russia is somewhat of a sideshow, but Germany is sending similar messages to chill.
PS. Asia Times (?) reports that China is working on promoting a Turkish/Pakistani joint effort on the BRI/OBOR. It would include Iran. Look at the map.
Good.
Every up and coming Great Power needs to take their turn bleeding in Afghanistan.