Cadence of Conflict: Asia, August 17, 2020

All of us enjoy the results of the paths we choose, paths which no one can choose for us. Americans believe this so strongly, it often leads to unhealthy apathy toward others in distress. When America finally decides to help others, it is often from a kind of “Messiah” complex, viz Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. From this American worldview, including the good and the bad, America would have no motive to “keep China from rising”. We just don’t think about others that much, you see.

Nonetheless, China has frequently claimed its destiny and right to rise to greatness, using this claim as an excuse to threaten, attack, and oppress others, all the while adding another claim that resistance to forced Chinese subjugation is an attempt to “keep China from rising”. But again, free-minded people, whether self-absorbed or genuine, have no motive to keep others from rising.

Why do voices from China’s government suppose the intended motives of a free-thinking people, which the Chinese Confucian Communists cannot themselves identify with? Is this a random misunderstanding? To suspect ill motives of others toward oneself while at the same time seeking unchecked authority over others is more reminiscent of the paranoid narcissist. Adding to that China’s legislated policy for Hong Kong, against its UN-registered treaty of 1984, and for Taiwan, of which it still remains unable to assert jurisprudence, we now have signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD was never about being clean and organized, but rather using excess rules of organizing as a means to control others. Added up, China demonstrates personality disorders from all three clusters.

That is an explosive mix, so to speak.

But, while insanity is a threat to others it is always a greater threat to itself. In addition to narcissism, an over-inflated view of self falls within purview of the Biblical proverb, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We in the West should not fear Chinese aggression, rather the fallout of narcissistic rage as China painfully learns that it cannot be a worldwide dominator. That lesson may cost a tuition of lives in the millions.

Yes, we are going down this path. August 15, this past weekend, marked the 75th Anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the United States and serves as a reminder of Western resolve to stop the map from changing. Almost four years prior, Japan had provoked the West against the wise advice of China; today, those roles seem reversed. We have no reason to fear, but we must be honest with ourselves enough to be ready for what has been brewing a long time.

Great Pacific

PLA drills point to stepped-up plans to take control of Taiwan, analysts say // SCMP

China imposes sanctions on US officials in retaliation for Hong Kong measures // Financial Times

China

US sanctions: economist Yu Yongding flags risk of Chinese bank assets being seized overseas // SCMP

South China Sea: Chinese military told not to fire first shot in stand-off with US forces // SCMP

Taiwan

US Senate defense bill calls for Taiwan’s participation in RIMPAC exercises // Taiwan News

Former top US military officials say China could take Taiwan in 3 days by early 2021 // Taiwan News

Cabinet approves lowering age of majority to 18 // Taipei Times

Proposed defense budget to rise 4.4% // Taipei Times

The de facto ‘pro-independence’ party: 70%!
Chen Chi-mai wins Kaohsiung vote // Taipei Times

US formalizes sale of new F-16 warplanes to Taiwan // Taipei Times

Taiwan eyeing US cruise missiles, mines to make ‘invasion very painful’ // Taiwan News

Taiwan president meets with US health secretary, pledges to strengthen collaborations // Taiwan News

U.S. health chief offers Taiwan ‘strong’ support // Yahoo News

Hong Kong

Agnes Chow: the Hong Kong activist who gave up UK citizenship to fight for democracy // Guardian

Jimmy Lai!
Hong Kong media tycoon arrested, newspaper raided // Aljazeera

Japan

Korean Peninsula

South Korea’s Moon Jae-in to focus on victims in ‘comfort women’ dispute with Japan // Mumbai Mirror

Military Faceoff

Ships Arrive In Hawaii For RIMPAC Amid Heightened Local Scrutiny // Honolulu Civil Beat

20 Ships Participating in Reduced RIMPAC in Hawaii Starting Monday // Military.com

Scale of RIMPAC may be smaller, but military leaders say significance still huge // KITV4 Island News Honolulu (ABC)

RIMPAC international maritime wartime exercise to begin // Foreign Brief