If you ever wonder how blessed a nation the USA is, just wander over to the nearest globe or large map.
Just look at those wide open oceans to our east and west. Just look at all our friendly neighbors. It is enough to make a nation get a bit complacent about its maritime security.
After you do that, take a look at access to the high seas and global markets from a Chinese perspective.
From a great article from Jamie Seidel Down Under about the latest Chinese building project in Cambodia … this is one of the better graphical demonstrations of the challenge fate gifted to China.
That is a huge challenge to any national security apparatus charged with ensuring a growing economy – and the protecting the expectations of a wealthier citizenry. It is enough to make a nation get a bit insecure about its maritime security. Who wouldn’t want their navy grow quickly? Who wouldn’t want to hedge bets and move to secure access to locations that will aid keeping sea lines of communication open?
To the west, the Chinese quickly run in to a suspicious India. To the South, a friend to the great power to the east.
The geography, matched to the hard math of logistics and economics, makes this friction unavoidable.
No, this area will not become more stable over time. Not even close.
