Cadence of Conflict: Asia, October 23, 2017

Now, North Korea may have biological weapons. Every week, the news is worse and worse. Eventually, a conflict with North Korea will feel more like a relief to the public than an outrage, just from fatigue of bad news overdose. That level of fatigue is—or at least should be—part of military logistics calculation. However, that doesn’t indicate whether the US plans a strike, only that increasing public support for action is yet another metaphoric “cannon” aimed at the Korean Peninsula. While the Kim Dynasty may not wise up to the mounting forces at its doorstep, Russia and China know that public support from the US shouldn’t be ignored.

China, however is strengthening its long-term ambitions. The incumbent president, Xi Jinping, has been named and received honorary titles that place him above past presidents. There is talk of him becoming a “Chairman”, thus equating him to Mao. Don’t underestimate the power of a “mere title” in Chinese culture. Even with no written authority behind a title, Chinese culture is and always will be stronger than any law it writes to keep the “legalists” satisfied. Such a long-time leader retaining power compares him to the seemingly lifetime leader in Russia, Putin.

North Korea is a strategic linchpin for the China-Russia powers. Militarily, they cannot allow a united Korea. But, logistically, they may not be able to stop it either. Just as war games often do, propping up a Communist Dynasty may have backfired. That’s a lesson to everyone, the US included. The US might not heed warnings when the balance temporarily tips in its favor. Meddling is always a bad idea, whether you win or lose, this time.

China

China’s 30-year deadline to rule the world | News

‘Xi Jinping thought’: China’s leader given own political theory in power show on par with Mao | Telegraph

With tears and song, China welcomes Xi as great, wise leader | Yahoo – Reuters

Tesla Reaches Deal to Build Factory in China | Fortune

Korea

North Korea is ‘mass producing biological weapons’ | The Sun

North Korea rejects diplomacy with US for now, source says | CNN

S. Korea, U.S. start maritime drills against N. Korea | Yonhap News

North Korean propaganda leaflets declaring ‘Death to old lunatic Trump!’ dropped over Seoul | Independent

North Korea warns US faces ‘unimaginable’ strike if it continues military drills with South Korea | Mirror

Trump White House debates presidential visit to demilitarized zone along North Korean border | WA Post