Consider the number of pressure points Washington and Beijing share these days: tensions in the East China Sea that involve U.S. ally Japan, the question of arms sales to Taiwan and its future status, the South China Sea and now bilateral trade issues. China could easily demand America back down in one of these areas, much to the peril of Washington and its various allies.
For example, let’s say the Trump administration decided to give China a free ride in the South China Sea, one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes and the beating economic heart of Asia. Beijing would be able to cast aside the fishing, natural resource, and legitimate maritime rights of nations like Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and any other nation that stood in its way. Beijing would have control of not only Asia’s most vital waterway, through which 60 percent of Japan’s oil imports transit, but could economically strangulate almost any nation in the Asia-Pacific region. Would any nation in Asia ever see America the same again?
http://theweek.com/articles/697511/astronomical-cost-asking-china-restrain-north-korea
Probably not. If this deal is true and holds, say good-bye to NPT. Nuke domino started from N. Korea, and will move to Japan, and the rest. That is just for starters.
Besides, we are not even sure if China will really act to our satisfaction.
Of course our news is almost silent on this huge event....which is considered to be the largest project since the Marshall Plan and will certainly shift the geo-political arena as it already is showing.
Trumps Tour this week is vital and makes a strong political statement in those he's visiting....his visit to Saudi is in direct opposition to Iran....and over 50 ME leaders will be there....it's a fascinating watch of how these visits go...and speaks volumes to International Leaders everywhere.
