Thursday, February 18, 2016
Chinese Missiles in South China Sea Underscore a Growing Conflict Risk
With China's recent attempt to increase its military influence by positioning surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island in the South China Sea, much concern is being raised over the nature of the nation's intents. These actions come at an especially inopportune time, as President Obama has recently attempted to bolster American influence in the region. This raises the concern that China is attempting to warn off the Americans in a hostile manner. Do you think the Chinese should be trying to send their message in this way? Should President Obama adhere to their warning? What do you think this means for countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, who are both vehemently resisting Chinese expansion this area, and who would be opposed the hostile takeover of such an island?
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I think that it is best to proceed with caution in this instance. Starting a conflict would be meaningless and wasteful. Therefore, I think Obama would be wise to have a private conference Xi Jinping in order to try to reach a compromise. Let's not turn this into a war of words, or even worse an actual war. This is especially important because I don't think it would be wise for Obama to leave office on bad terms with such a powerful country; we don't know which candidate will win and have to deal with China next and how delicate he/she will be.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I belive that it would be better to proceed with caution in this case. The fact of the matter is that starting a conflict would be pointless and thus makes me think that Obama would be wise to have a private conference. This is to try to compromise. It's not wise for Obama to leave in bad terms and we won't know who will win. China will have to be dealt with and see where it goes from there. Vietnam and the philippines are resisting Chinese expansion.
ReplyDeleteIt is rude of China to send such a message, if that is what they are indeed trying to do. This is a vague sign that is very likely to be misconstrued in many ways. However, as what is done is done, I think that we just need to watch a little more closely and sit back for a little bit. Immediate action would probably lead to irrational violence and at this point, we just need to wait a little bit and see how everything plays out. If the signal becomes clearer than China is being hostile, perhaps then we can reconsider our decision.
ReplyDeleteEven though every country has its right to assert its own boundaries, I think China is being somewhat overly aggressive here. Obama should adhere to the warning for now, but clearly something has to be done about it eventually, and the country to do so shouldn't necessarily be the US. We don't really need to go get caught up in foreign affairs again. Countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines will most likely become the core piece of this dispute, as they will be drawing all the attention from their resistance.
ReplyDeleteI think the Chinese should go for a more diplomatic approach instead of threatening with missiles. It's puerile and good for no one. I think if Obama were to adhere to the warning, the Chinese would view America as weak. I think Obama should head the warning for now but intervene if things start going too far. It's too early for immediate action, but Vietnam and the Philippines will definitely be at the root of this tension.
ReplyDeleteI agree that China should have found a better way to send a message rather than using the military and weapons. Obama should adhere to the warning, but he should also keep a closer watch over their actions. If this becomes a bigger issue, Vietnam and the Philippines will have important roles.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew and Laura. Obama should be careful with how he proceeds as this is his last year in office and messing with weapons is definitely not a good idea. However, war should be avoided if at all possible. I think the best idea is to try to talk any issues out, and avoid using either military. There is no reason for anyone from either country to die.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Chinese current approach is not the proper one if they wish to remain civil with their counterparts in the region not only concerning the US appearance in the region but also Vietnam and the Philippines. As said by Rachel, more diplomatic approach would be better because it would convey the same message without raising concerns over their intentions. China is not a dumb country either, so their decision to approach their desired military increase in this manner raises the question as to whether or not they truly are planning to do something with their newfound artillery.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rachel Hooker in that I think that backing down would be a sign of weakness in the eyes of the Chinese. Obama should proceed with his plan while simultaneously speaking directly to Xi Jinping in order to find a solution. China has repeatedly tried to assert its dominance over the United States, and it should not be tolerated. But still, any actual conflict should be avoided at all costs considering our already shakey relationship with China. In addition, the United States also has a responsibility to countries like Vietnam and the Philippines to keep them safe, or at least just as much a responsibility as they have to other small countries.
ReplyDeleteMilitary strategy is a very complex and nuanced issue. Situations like this should always be deescalated. Although we need to stand up to China, we do not want to cause another World War. America should also attempt to support smaller friendly countries surrounding China without escalating the conflict. Causing more tension with China would only prove disastrous as it may hurt our industry and public view.
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