Posted on 02/16/2016 1:31:47 PM PST by naturalman1975
ARE future superpowers already fighting over our doorstep? China is moving to secure its control over the narrow waterways of South-East Asia - and now India is following suit.
The United States and India have begun holding talks about conducting joint naval patrols that a US defence official told Reuters could include the disputed South China Sea.
It's all part of a race to take up positions of power over arterial shipping lanes to Australia's northwest. China is seeking to secure its interests, while the West - and India - aim at reinforcing their waning dominance.
Struggling sole-world superpower Washington is seeking to offload much of its international policeman burden - asking Asian allies to take a stand against China's man-made islands in the Spratly archipelago. From this 'great wall of sand' China hopes to assert its will over a 3.5 million square kilometre expanse of natural resources and shipping lanes.
The Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Brunei all border this body of water and also lay claim to their own exclusive economic zones.
But China's influence is already extending beyond its own backyard: It's also making inroads into the Indian Ocean.
A surge of modern warships ships has been sent to the Indian Ocean by Beijing, with repeated forays by submarines adding to frayed nerves. This is all on top of the establishment of a Chinese naval base in north Africa.
Delhi has noticed.
As a result, non-aligned India and the United States have ramped up their military ties in recent months - holding naval exercises in the Indian Ocean that have included Japan.
Australia's military has also woken up to the new kid on the block - choosing to attempt engage India through an unprecedented series of friendly naval exercises.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
Brits, Yanks, Ozzys, and Kiwis may bicker and squabble but mess with one and you mess with us all. Actually, I would not want to count on the Kiwis to help if push came to shove.
Need to add Canucks to the list.
BBC News | ASIA-PACIFIC | NZ Air Force scraps combat wing news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1704323.stm BBC Dec 11, 2001 - Jet fighters make their last flight over New Zealand's main cities as the air force prepares to shut down its combat section.
Disbanding the Air Combat Force From the New Zealand perspective, the force most suitable for reduction is the air ... Bradford was reported as wanting, 'to scrap our air combat forces entirely'.
I think you are right, or at least, I hope so.
I can’t think the Aussies and Kiwis would rather have Chinese warships patrolling their sea lanes rather than US ships, but given the way things have gone with our Navy lately, I am not so sure there, either.
It's only a small country and its military capability has been run down shamefully in some areas (as mentioned, it's complete lack of fighter aircraft has rendered the RNZAF virtually toothless) but it stood up with an ally when that ally was attacked.
Duly noted. I knew there were a few Kiwis in logistics but was not aware of the casualties.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
My compliments on the fine job you did on your profile page.
Canada has a navy?
I’m glad I’m not the only one thinking that. And wow, it really is tiny. 8500 regular personnel and 5100 reserves. 1 destroyer, 12 frigates, 4 patrol submarines, 12 coastal defence vessels and 8 unarmed patrol/training vessels, as well as several auxiliary vessels.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Canadian_Navy
We just gifted our all-time ally Pakistan F-16s and expect India to open up its bases? Hmm...
Pakistani immigrant in U.S. military:
This happened in 1985? If so, it should be an eye-opener to many - we all think Islamic Terrorism is a recent trait! How many more of such types are already here?
Thanks for the link!
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