Before China can act she needs a naval base in the Indian Ocean —Burma? Malaya? someplace to re -supply ships of her fleet. Maybe Iran could offer a port or two for the right price.
Malaya?
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Luckily, the previous Malaysian PM was deposed and all the Chinese projects stopped. Including a huge seaport/ navy base opposite of Singapore in Johore Bahru.
We share a lovely AF Base at Paya Lebar in Singapore...