[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

We have a few Subject Matter Experts here; Lone Palm, any comments?

(Here Kansans know enough not to ask what an oar is, but a Plimsoll mark might be a problem! )

[reed13k]

Key thing I noted is that the transit was agreed by our people to be within the boundaries of the international rules.

These type of activities have happened continuously for decades across the globe. We transit their economic zone, they transit ours. It is part of why we still go through the Taiwan strait on a regular basis...it’s the PRC and Taiwan’s economic zone; but still an international transit lane.

These things are partially to maintain all parties rights to international shipping lanes, partially to test response and gather intel, and partially to make a show/demonstration of force for political purposes.

[LonePalm]

As long as they aren't fishing I don't see a problem.

If we allow them to sail around in our backyard they can't really deny us sailing around in their backyards.

My undergrad degree is in Economics. For the past several months I have been digging in to Russia and China's economic and demographic situations. As a result I am increasingly less worried about either of them.

China has the fastest aging population in history. All of history. Russia is not that far behind it. The implications for their economies, and hence their militaries is dire. I expect that within 10 years, 15 at the outside both countries will be completely unable to conduct sustained military activities outside their borders. Russia is rapidly approaching that state today.

The Achilles' heel of both economies is oil. Russia out and China in.

I have a doctor's appointment in 20 minutes so I will continue this missive when I get back.

WWG1WGA

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)