“Let them have the middle east AND the oil. Just leave Israel and Taiwan alone.”
China is a scorpion. No matter how much you feed it, a scorpion is still a scorpion. China will not, can not, leave Taiwan alone. This is because the communist government has told the Chinese people that communist governance is the only reason for the people’s rising standard of living. Taiwan and Hong Kong are living proof this is not so. Therefore, both must be brought under the communist government and all freedom...all evidence against the party line...must be crushed.
As for Israel...to get the oil China will likely choose Iran’s side. This means that China will support Iran’s wars with money and technology. Iran is focused, primarily, against Saudi Arabia and the Sunnis. But, Iran is also focused on Israel.
If communist China is to survive they must crush non-communist governments and side with Iran. Both of those requirements mean they can not leave Taiwan or Israel alone.
True.
But I think China is getting tired of Iran’s constant trouble-making over Israel.
They’d profit much more from a friendly Israel
Which Iran makes impossible.
In sum, the ME is a terrible place to succeed in.