We all know that China annexed and militarized some disputed islands in the South China Seas. These islands are claimed by multiple countries. In 2016 a dispute between the Philippines and China resulted in the Hague ruling that China did not have claim to these islands. No matter, China took them over anyway. They how house surface to air missiles. Much more can be gleaned online with minimal Googling.
Canada’s Senate has weighed in that China should not be taking over these islands. This bill, largely ceremonial, was stopped by 3 pro-Chinese senators. They are gutless and in the pockets of the Chinese Communist Party. Senate passes motion condemning China’s ‘hostile behaviour’ in South China Sea
China has a bright future ahead, but hostile and military action will not get it there. Taking over disputed islands from Asian neighbour countries merely destabilizes Asia. Now Japan and South Korea are contemplating their own nuclear arms, on account of Chinese hegemony.
Why would China want this? China’s long-term economic wellbeing depends on world trade. Can China bully its neighbours, as well as antagonize the West, all without severe trade implications?
China is already turning inward. The more they militarize these islands as well as militarize other areas of the world, the less the world will trust them. And with good reason.
