Does any one remember the 1990's following the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the end of the cold war. There appeared to be an outbreak of global peace and prosperity. How depressing to reflect on how short lived that was.
At a time of unspeakable horrors taking place in Iraq, Afghanistan resurfacing as a major threat to NATO credibility and Hezbollah openly rearming for another conflict with Israel, you'd think the world had enough to be concerned with (together with the many other smaller regional or local conflicts that could fill many pages).
But there are other big, nasty potential flashpoints appearing on the not too distant horizon. Parhaps most obvious cause concern is the impending nuclear status of Iran, which has used the carnage in Iraq as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its ambitions, in an attempt to create a Shia Muslim super-power in the Middle East.
Whilst the Middle East continues to consume most of Western European focus, lets not forget Asia Pacific, where China's outstanding economic growth of the past decade is bank rolling their growing military capabilities.
Its not difficult to spot where Beijing might focus any early flexing of its new found muscle ... Taiwan. This island, situated off the mainland of China, has been ruled separately since 1949. The Taiwanese beleive their independence is paramount, whilst China sees Taiwan as a renegade province which will be reunified at some point. Not encouraging!
Given the David & Goliath status of the two parties, it may be startling news to some that Taiwan has been testing a new missile capability with a range of over 600 miles (i.e. far enough to reach significant areas of eastern and southern China.
I'm sure the Taiwan government view this as a useful deterent against potential Chinese action. However, throwing a stick at a sleeping grizzly bear could be described as questionable tactics.
graeme
0 Comments