News for today's 2018

<br /> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">EAST AND WEST EMPIRE SATURATION – WHERE AND WHEN WILL THEY COLLIDE?</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The operational modalities of the UNITED STATES as the ’police of the world’ are viewed by many with envy and with disgust. When the USA is advance its economic interests its massive military power projects far ahead of any diplomatic efforts. That is a luxury that others do not have. The US has benefited from this arrangement immensely and rival nations are attempting to reshape this model adding their own cultural sensibilities. As the old adage goes, ’talk softly but carry a big stick’.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://mondediplo.com/2003/05/03lemoine"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In his December 1823 message to Congress, US president James Monroe had launched the doctrine that would bear his name. As the SPANISH empire collapsed, enticing the BRITISH to fill the void, he defied EUROPEAN intervention in the affairs of the AMERICAS. It would have been of benefit to all had the US not, under the guise of fighting against external colonialism, focused its foreign policy on constituting a continental block that the US itself hoped to dominate.</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://mondediplo.com/2003/05/03lemoine"><span style="color: blue;">Without worrying about credible justification, the US intervened militarily in PUERTO RICO (1824), MEXICO (1845 and 1847), NICARAGUA (1857 and 1860) and in the province of PANAMA (1860). Alarmed, the governments of CHILE, BOLIVIA, ECUADOR, NEW GRENADA (COLOMBIA) and PERU met in Lima in 1847 to examine this interventionism. The outbreak of war against MEXICO in 1848 justified their concern: from Texas to California, the US annexed half MEXICO’S territory. After its own Civil War, the US became aware of its huge power. From 1880, having conquered the West, it turned its attention to the South. During General Grant’s presidency (1869-77), the theory of “manifest destiny” made clear US ambitions: to control the continent. The US spoke about the “defence of democracy” softly, and sent in the marines by way of a big stick. Besides the occasional military intervention, there were invasions followed by establishment of protectorates</span></a>. -<b>-<a href="http://mondediplo.com/2003/05/03lemoine"><span style="color: blue;">Le Monde</span></a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many nations have been quietly sitting on the sidelines watching the UNITED STATES operating with righteous impunity. Beasts from the east are looking to not only stand up to AMERICA but slowly chip away at their turf. CHINA’S is following bits of the US playbook when it comes to their mixed-market economy, while rapidly building up their military force. CHINA is leveraging their military to intimidate any who would interfere with their economic aspirations while appearing meek and adamantly denying all accusations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SOFT POWER VERSUS HARD POWER</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/in-depth/hard-power-soft-targets/2007/11/10/1194329562764.html"><span style="color: blue;">Evidence compiled by The Sunday Age reveals that, in its relations with AUSTRALIA, CHINA uses its power to co-opt support and silence critics. Sometimes, it involves intimidation and threats. In international relations, there is soft power and there is hard power. Exercising it is how governments get their way. CHINA’S communist rulers are no different. They legitimately use soft power to win foreign friends and gain international influence. The tools of soft power are culture, education, public diplomacy, business links and people-to-people contacts. Then there’s hard power — overt pressure or threats. In CHINA’S case, its hard power carries more punch than most and, in relations with AUSTRALIA, it’s backed by lots of money</span></a>. –<b><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/in-depth/hard-power-soft-targets/2007/11/10/1194329562764.html"><span style="color: blue;">The Age</span></a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2013/07/18/chinas_gets_tough_on_maritime_disputes_106698.html"><span style="color: blue;">The focus on peace, development, and cooperation was welcomed and continues as the main emphasis in CHINESE foreign policy; but it has been accompanied in recent years by repeated use of coercion and intimidation well beyond internationally accepted norms in support of CHINESE broad maritime claims in the SOUTH CHINA Sea and the EAST CHINA Sea. In short, the principles and praxis of CHINESE foreign and security policy have evolved and continue to change, reflecting a mix of domestic priorities, challenges and considerations, as well as treatment and acceptance by neighbors and others abroad.</span></a> –<b><a href="http://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2013/07/18/chinas_gets_tough_on_maritime_disputes_106698.html"><span style="color: blue;">CSIS</span></a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA has been building a massive economic engine due to the needs of its gargantuan population. There have been subtle hints of a coming insurrection within CHINA due to pollution, corruption, land grabbing, limited water supply, and inflation of food prices. Over the last few years there have been major riots that have instilled fear within the leadership of CHINA. CHINA is digging its heels into the SOUTH CHINA SEA and the INDIAN OCEAN to apply its new economic and military grand strategy, building a new “Silk Road” between sea lines to ensure proper transport of its imports and military infrastructure. CHINA is weary of both RUSSIA and INDIA and do not want to find being cut off from the rest of the world. A military or financial blockade in the straits by its enemies or past allies would be debilitating.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ASIA-PACIFIC STRATEGIC RETRENCHMENT: POLITICAL AND MILITARY OBJECTIVES </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The USA, JAPAN and CHINA are projecting power and expanding <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-21/u-s-must-help-asean-countries-build-south-china-sea-defenses-mccain-says.html"><span style="color: blue;">maritime and mainland strategic defenses</span></a> within the ASIA-PACIFIC landscape for control of <a href="http://www.eia.gov/countries/regions-topics.cfm?fips=SCS"><span style="color: blue;">trade sea routes, strategic raw materials – hydrocarbons hubs </span></a>and security of <a href="http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=10671"><span style="color: blue;">geographic provinces of strategic interest.</span></a> The ASIA-PACIFIC geopolitical scenario will be no easy task since ASIAN nations are interplaying AMERICANS and CHINESE, with the U.S. military providing security and CHINA providing economic fringe benefits.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.aei.org/events/2013/07/29/squaring-the-circle-general-raymond-t-odierno-on-american-military-strategy-in-a-time-of-declining-resources/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“As you look at the Asia Pacific, it’s about competition for resources, limited resources,“</span></a> <a href="http://www.aei.org/events/2013/07/29/squaring-the-circle-general-raymond-t-odierno-on-american-military-strategy-in-a-time-of-declining-resources/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It’s about making sure that everyone is able to sustain their own sovereignty and their interests” – US Chief of Army Staff General Raymond T Odierno- </span></a><a href="http://www.aei.org/events/2013/07/29/squaring-the-circle-general-raymond-t-odierno-on-american-military-strategy-in-a-time-of-declining-resources/"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">American Enterprise Institute</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pentagon and civilian leaders are rapidly increasing <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-deployments-to-asia-pacific-coincide-with-chinas-expansion-2012-3#ixzz1prWNvXgq"><span style="color: blue;">U.S. Army, Marines </span></a>and <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18305750"><span style="color: blue;">U.S. Navy presence</span></a> in CHINA’S backyard. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Navy"><span style="color: blue;">CHINA’S naval fleet</span></a>, the largest in ASIA, which boasts 62 submarines, 13 destroyers and 65 frigates of active ships in the region. The U.S. military is increasing military footprints, boots on the ground with <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-03/u-dot-s-dot-marines-arrive-in-australia-as-asia-pacific-presence-raised"><span style="color: blue;">U.S. Marines</span></a>, <a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/349806#ixzz2SoMdp5sl"><span style="color: blue;">Joint Special Operations Command,</span></a> <a href="http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/08/15/838308/us-military-planning-set-storage-depot-phl"><span style="color: blue;">military equipment depots</span></a> and <a href="http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=15152&page=0"><span style="color: blue;">strategic intelligence and aerospace footprint</span></a>with locales in <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/Business/asia-pacific/Jonathan+Manthorpe+East+Timor+challenges+Australia/8437488/story.html"><span style="color: blue;">AUSTRALIA</span></a>, <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/06/pentagon-cam-ranh-bay-vietnam.html"><span style="color: blue;">VIETNAM</span></a> , <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-expands-counterterrorism-assistance-in-cambodia-in-spite-of-human-rights-concerns/2012/11/15/f2df3de8-2e59-11e2-abff-7d780620a97a_story.html"><span style="color: blue;">CAMBODIA</span></a> and the<a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/army/219717-reports-us-philippines-building-new-naval-base-in-spratlys-"><span style="color: blue;"> PHILIPPINES</span></a>. Not only is the vast deployment of U.S. military armed forces concentrated toward CHINA’S expansion, these forces will provide security for vested interests in the region – <a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/plenty-of-reasons-for-marines-to-train-in-australia-just-don-t-mention-china-1.230050"><span style="color: blue;">JAPANESE Ichthys Gas</span></a> , <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-03/u-dot-s-dot-marines-arrive-in-australia-as-asia-pacific-presence-raised"><span style="color: blue;">Royal Dutch Shell</span></a> , <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/28/us-china-spratlys-philippines-idUSTRE81R03420120228"><span style="color: blue;">ExxonMobil</span></a>, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/28/us-china-spratlys-philippines-idUSTRE81R03420120228"><span style="color: blue;">Forum Energy</span></a> and <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/9822955/Trillions-of-dollars-worth-of-oil-found-in-Australian-outback.html"><span style="color: blue;">trillions of dollars worth of oil found in AUSTRALIAN outback</span></a>. Coincidence?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/04/17/13/ph-us-military-aim-territorial-defense-force"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The PHILIPPINES and U.S. military are considering the development of a territorial defense force orce capable of handling the PHILIPPINES’ strategic interest in the SOUTH CHINA SEA, a high-ranking U.S. military – </span></a><a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/04/17/13/ph-us-military-aim-territorial-defense-force"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ABS </span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/27/us-philippines-usa-idUSBRE95Q0C120130627"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The proposed airfields and naval bases in the PHILIPPINES, a close U.S. ally, coincides with a resurgence of U.S. warships, planes and personnel in the region as Washington turns its attention to a newly assertive China – </span></a><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/27/us-philippines-usa-idUSBRE95Q0C120130627"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Reuters</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwkM8JysIe_KgUaVnz8FahYCw0FbLbAUgG2OvMp5NqaY7LVU56sKUzpZjktCamN4qlCBMOhxdUcD32OWCm2eAiB_aogUNQnOUutrlF-QT3GJcIRtXVenwyYCT2OvX2Hw6McX0OhCHNj4o/s1600/map-island-dispute-624.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwkM8JysIe_KgUaVnz8FahYCw0FbLbAUgG2OvMp5NqaY7LVU56sKUzpZjktCamN4qlCBMOhxdUcD32OWCm2eAiB_aogUNQnOUutrlF-QT3GJcIRtXVenwyYCT2OvX2Hw6McX0OhCHNj4o/s400/map-island-dispute-624.gif" width="400" /></a></b></div><br />  <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA’S rising military power in the region is expanding well beyond it’s borders through <a href="http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/china-s-destabilizing-designs-on-its-neighbors-by-brahma-chellaney"><span style="color: blue;">stealth wars and operations</span></a> , key transport and delivery of <a href="http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130404000295"><span style="color: blue;">strategic resources</span></a> and continued intrusion on nations <a href="http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/08/04/disputed-waters-are-rising-in-the-south-china-sea/"><span style="color: blue;">economic exclusive zones</span></a>. CHINA’S activities in the region are necessary to nourish it’s regional appetite for power, influence and resources, diplomacy necessary to sustain the CHINESE economic engine. JAPANS considerable dependence on imported energy resources (90%) transiting routes of Malacca – South and East CHINA Sea is a high risk of <a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/31361/the-coming-resource-wars-between-america-china-and-japan"><span style="color: blue;">engagement of military forces</span></a> and energy firms with CHINA over territorial disputes especially over <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-to-begin-deep-water-drilling-in-disputed-sea-7721975.html"><span style="color: blue;">oil and gas</span></a> in the heavily disputed <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/chinese-army-general-says-okinawa-not-ja/676090.html"><span style="color: blue;">Okinawa</span></a> and <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-10/disputed-islands-with-45-years-of-oil-split-china-japan.html"><span style="color: blue;">Diaoyu-Senkaku Islands </span></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.gulf-times.com/business/191/details/359867/chinese-firms-in-$5bn-drive-to-develop-gas-fields-in-disputed-waters"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">CHINESE state-run oil companies hope to develop seven new gas fields in the East CHINA Sea, possibly siphoning gas from the seabed beneath waters claimed by Japan, a move that could further inflame tensions with Tokyo over the disputed area- </span></a><a href="http://www.gulf-times.com/business/191/details/359867/chinese-firms-in-$5bn-drive-to-develop-gas-fields-in-disputed-waters"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Gulf Times</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.energytribune.com/78293/cnoocs-offshore-strategy-intensifies#sthash.geruNwef.yBWCXJVt.dpbs"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">However, whichever side you fall on, the fact remains that CNOOC is CHINA’S largest offshore exploration and production company which takes its mandate from Beijing to secure as much oil and gas as possible, seriously – </span></a><a href="http://www.energytribune.com/78293/cnoocs-offshore-strategy-intensifies#sthash.geruNwef.yBWCXJVt.dpbs"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Energy Tribune</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">U.S. and Philippines strategic architecture is <a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/04/17/13/ph-us-military-aim-territorial-defense-force"><span style="color: blue;">operation acquisition prevention</span></a>, <a href="http://yalejournal.org/2013/06/12/who-authorized-preparations-for-war-with-china/"><span style="color: blue;">AirSea Battle</span></a> vs <a href="http://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2012/09/26/chinas-system-of-systems/"><span style="color: blue;">anti-access/anti-denial capabilities (A2/AD)</span></a>, <a href="http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-12/offshore-control-answer"><span style="color: blue;">military’s offshore control</span></a> concept to ensure the flow of strategic assets to U.S. allies while blockading CHINESE access, <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/10/navy-readies-for-chinese-power-grab-on-shipping/"><span style="color: blue;">interdict import</span></a> of <a href="http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20130204000028&cid=1102&MainCatID=0"><span style="color: blue;">strategic raw materials</span></a> at <a href="http://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2013/07/16/the-submarine-race-in-the-malaccan-strait/"><span style="color: blue;">vital sea gates and choke points</span></a> and inhibit CHINESE corporate <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/china-to-begin-deep-water-drilling-in-disputed-sea-7721975.html"><span style="color: blue;">offshore oil and natural gas energy</span></a> and <a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/06/28/12/china-sends-combat-ready-patrols-spratlys"><span style="color: blue;">naval activities </span></a>in the exclusive economic zones, mainly CHINA’S<a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=138931&cat=3"><span style="color: blue;"> 9-dash line territorial claim</span></a> over <a href="http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/31/948591/chinese-general-reveals-strategy-panatag-takeover"><span style="color: blue;">PANATAG</span></a>, <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/318107/news/nation/dfa-beijing-s-sweeping-claims-over-entire-south-china-sea-is-the-problem"><span style="color: blue;">Parcel and Spratly Islands</span></a> of the South CHINA Sea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/south_east_asia/AJ201306190093"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The PHILIPPINES has deployed a fresh batch of marines and supplies to a shoal in the disputed South CHINA Sea, where a CHINESE warship and surveillance vessels appeared last month and triggered a new standoff in the strategic waters, the PHILIPPINE defense secretary said on June 19 – </span></a><a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/south_east_asia/AJ201306190093"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Asahi.</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/447117/army-to-shift-to-territorial-defense"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) is shifting its operations from internal security to territorial defense in 2014, focusing on the Luzon coastlines amid disputes over marine boundaries in Southeast Asia, the new Nolcom chief – </span></a><a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/447117/army-to-shift-to-territorial-defense"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Inquirer</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/28/us-china-spratlys-philippines-idUSTRE81R03420120228"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A decades-old territorial squabble over the South CHINA Sea is entering a new and more contentious chapter, as claimant nations search deeper into disputed waters for energy supplies while building up their navies and military alliances with other nations, particularly with the UNITED STATES – </span></a><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/28/us-china-spratlys-philippines-idUSTRE81R03420120228"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Reuters</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1292576/manila-move-air-force-navy-near-disputed-waters-south-china-sea"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The PHILIPPINES plans to relocate major air force and navy camps to a former US naval base north of Manila to gain faster access to waters being contested by CHINA in the South CHINA Sea- </span></a><a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1292576/manila-move-air-force-navy-near-disputed-waters-south-china-sea"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">South China Morning Post</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Strategic dialogue between the U.S., CHINA and JAPAN over economic exclusive zones, oil and gas regions and military encounters over territorial disputes could easily ignite a <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/world/islands-off-agenda-but-still-split-asean-20120403-1waq0.html"><span style="color: blue;">South CHINA Sea Flashpoint </span></a>. With hardly any noise or accusations from pundits, the U.S. massive military and diplomatic buildup in the ASIAN Block is a counter-move toward CHINA’S <a href="http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1076500/yuan-hailed-world-reserve-currency"><span style="color: blue;">renminbi bloc </span></a>and forestall the creation of multinational ASIAN block adopting the <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/business/2013-07/18/c_132551570.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Yuan as a primary currency</span></a> and the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17988142"><span style="color: blue;">direct exchange of oil and gas for Yuans</span></a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://rbth.asia/business/2013/07/17/china_reportedly_planning_to_back_the_yuan_with_gold_47997.html"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Beijing’s possible move to back the yuan with gold would not be meant as a strategic measure to strengthen the national currency and increase its attractiveness as an investment medium. Rather, it would be a flaunt aimed at demonstrating to the world (and to the USA in particular) that CHINA is capable of taking the risks associated with a departure from the dollar standard – </span></a><a href="http://rbth.asia/business/2013/07/17/china_reportedly_planning_to_back_the_yuan_with_gold_47997.html"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RBTH</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323550604578407953709535988.html"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">CHINA may soon start direct trading between the yuan and the AUSTRALIAN dollar, bypassing the U.S. dollar when exchanging the units, to take advantage of growing financial and trading ties between two nations – </span></a><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323550604578407953709535988.html"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">WSJ</span></b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HIGH PROBABILITY OF A FUTURE SMALL SCALE WAR OVER SHRINKING STRATEGIC RESOURCES? </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When considering CHINAS A2-AD strategy, one popular theory is that CHINA would go all in launching massive saturation missile strikes on AMERICA and JAPANESE bases to gain advantage and attain victory </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The US-PH alliance is erecting an offensive/defensive perimeter in the Asia-Pacific to secure jump-off points for <a href="http://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2013/07/19/americas-airsea-battle-vs-chinas-a2ad-who-wins/"><span style="color: blue;">pre-emptive strike capabilities</span></a>. The Pentagon is increasing the <a href="http://breakingdefense.com/2013/07/11/us-marine-force-in-darwin-australia-boosts-to-1000-next-year-boost-to-meu-force-proceeds/"><span style="color: blue;">MEU to 2500</span></a> in Darwin, increasing rotational <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/13/world/asia/us-negotiates-expanded-military-role-in-philippines.html?_r=2&"><span style="color: blue;">Naval and JSOC operations in the PHILIPPINES </span></a>, shifting <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g6U9CEl4UqdDR8ptPcdJzG2xgeMw?docId=CNG.5f7e680a7478fbc2aaf2aa8acde7d611.5b1"><span style="color: blue;">Marines from JAPAN to GUAM</span></a> which all could find themselves transiting the region in littoral combat ships as part of the <a href="http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20130419/NEWS/304190010/With-Pacific-pivot-Marines-eye-8216-Single-Naval-Battle-8217-strategy"><span style="color: blue;">Single Naval Strategy</span></a>. The PHILIPPINES are planning to <a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1292576/manila-move-air-force-navy-near-disputed-waters-south-china-sea"><span style="color: blue;">relocate air and naval forces to Subic Bay</span></a> to cut reaction time by fighter aircraft to contested South CHINA Sea areas. JAPAN is revamping Self Defense Forces from a defensive position to <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/07/14/national/amphibious-warfare-first-strike-options-eyed-in-defense-policy-revamp/#.UeOMNo7zsUQ"><span style="color: blue;">first strike</span></a> – <a href="http://japandailypress.com/japan-to-join-us-led-military-drill-on-capturing-island-territory-0429987"><span style="color: blue;">amphibious island capturing abilities</span></a> with <a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/798115.shtml#.Ue1bpY7LI7w"><span style="color: blue;">military frontiers</span></a> to counter CHINESE intrusion and <a href="http://nation.time.com/2013/07/09/japan-ready-to-declare-well-go-first/#ixzz2YZL5Wutm"><span style="color: blue;">defend JAPANS East CHINA Sea territories </span></a>and energy resources. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">CHINA is deploying naval operations west to <a href="http://www.energy-daily.com/reports/Chinas_plans_to_shield_Mideast_oil_routes_999.html"><span style="color: blue;">shield Middle East oil routes</span></a><a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/china/AJ201201250053"><span style="color: blue;">.</span></a> <a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/china/AJ201201250053"><span style="color: blue;">CHINESE submarines loaded with nuclear missiles</span></a>are on high alert as counteroffensive strategy to turn SOUTH CHINA SEA into off limits zone. CHINA’S military test firing of <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/china-fires-anti-satellite-rocket/story-fnb64oi6-1226645577231"><span style="color: blue;">anti-satellite rockets</span></a> capable of disrupting communications and the navigation of U.S. carrier strike groups. Pointed at TAIWAN are <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-18/china-s-anti-carrier-missile-now-opposite-taiwan-flynn-says.html"><span style="color: blue;">Carrier Hunter anti-ship warheads</span></a> intended to destroy the ships’ flight decks, launch catapults and control towers. CHINA’S growing naval assertiveness by circumventing <a href="http://nation.time.com/2013/07/18/china-finds-a-gap-in-japans-maritime-chokepoints/#ixzz2Zex0hsZC"><span style="color: blue;">gaps in JAPAN’S Maritime Chokepoints</span></a> and launching <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/world/new-coastguard-a-show-of-chinas-strength-20130728-2qshe.html"><span style="color: blue;">coastguard paramilitary vessels</span></a> to keep pressure on JAPAN over disputed islands in the EAST CHINA SEA.</span></div>

EGYPT: THE LYNCHPIN OF THE MIDDLE EAST (Part 2)

EAST AND WEST EMPIRE SATURATION – WHERE AND WHEN WILL THEY COLLIDE? The operational modalities of the UNITED STATES as the ’police of the w...

EGYPT: THE LYNCHPIN OF THE MIDDLE EAST (Part 2)

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