[Oberon]

So, by remaining aloof, the entire SE Asia theater - and, more significantly, market - comes under Chinese sway without any more troop committment than it would take to control the oft-mentioned ‘refugee problem’.....

...unless the South Koreans win decisively, in which case the ChiComs would then have US-allied military and intelligence units right up on their border.

[driftdiver]

South Koreans have taken a strong dislike to Obama. They think he pulled strings after the last attack and prevents an aggressive response. They are tired of taking it.