Another incident of China’s militarized coast guard ramming a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea hundreds of miles from China. This time with “60 Minutes” on board.
We are headed toward World War III. People deserve the truth from those who pretend to lead.
Years ago, I would have advocated bringing our troops home. Today, I think it’s too late. A military pullout by the United States would be disastrous for both Asia and us. And anything less will require standing up to China. Now or later.
Not to mention that ending the U.S. role in Asia is not even being discussed.
Which means that U.S. assets in the region will eventually be attacked. Already we see the harassment of Taiwan and the bullying of the Philippines and others in the South China Sea. The U.S. has treaty commitments to fight for Japan, South Korea and the Philippines—plus, through the Taiwan Relations Act, we have pledged to help Taiwan stay free.
I would therefore call for spending more on the military. On weapons of war. On military capabilities half a world away. And I would prepare the country for the horrific possibility of war.
I think that this is the only way to cause China to back down from its aggressions against just about every neighbor as well as the rule-based international order and, ultimately, us.
The best news on this front is that the U.S. is not having to beg and plead for support for an alliance to check China or to go it alone:
Germany just sent warships through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in two decades. Taiwan has nearly doubled its defense spending. Japan is doubling its military spending and mending relationships in the region to form closer alliances. The Philippines has given the U.S. four bases in strategic territory. Even Vietnam has befriended the U.S.
Why? All fear China.
Right now what the world needs is an alliance of the free. And a leader to be very brave.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
This article originally appeared September 18, 2024 at ThisIsCommonSense.org
