US needs to beef up its Air Force. Thoughts?

[Spicoli]

It's in this global arena that the U.S. needs to be savvy in its dealings with both China and Russia. These countries by themselves are not up to par with the U.S. if push comes to shove, but a partnership between the two would be a formidable force. While China and Russia have their share of differences, undue pressure from Washington could push them together. It's something to keep in mind.

Any serious thoughts on this? We went off on some WWII tangents and the like, but I've read some articles where the possibility of current U.S. politics pushing these two together is something to at least consider.
Could Trump be making bedfellows of Putin and Jinping? If so, how bad would that be?

It’s been happening before trump. Although they are trying to counter the US China has a deep mistrust of Russia its a marriage of convenience

No, I know it predates Trump. Just saying it's headed in the same direction as before, but maybe more so now. The "marriage of convenience" part is very true. But sometimes having a common enemy brings you closer.

Joint military exercises also. Certainly not the first time they've buddied up against a common 'foe' in the U.S. Coming to ahead this week and sounds like it's based around weapon sales between them and the sanctions on Russia leveled by the State Department.

[walrus]

It's in this global arena that the U.S. needs to be savvy in its dealings with both China and Russia. These countries by themselves are not up to par with the U.S. if push comes to shove, but a partnership between the two would be a formidable force. While China and Russia have their share of differences, undue pressure from Washington could push them together. It's something to keep in mind.

Any serious thoughts on this? We went off on some WWII tangents and the like, but I've read some articles where the possibility of current U.S. politics pushing these two together is something to at least consider.
Could Trump be making bedfellows of Putin and Jinping? If so, how bad would that be?

It’s been happening before trump. Although they are trying to counter the US China has a deep mistrust of Russia its a marriage of convenience

No, I know it predates Trump. Just saying it's headed in the same direction as before, but maybe more so now. The "marriage of convenience" part is very true. But sometimes having a common enemy brings you closer.

Joint military exercises also. Certainly not the first time they've buddied up against a common 'foe' in the U.S. Coming to ahead this week and sounds like it's based around weapon sales between them and the sanctions on Russia leveled by the State Department.

Taiwan as well, whenever we do anything to recognize Taiwan China rattles the saber

[walrus]

BEIJING, Friday, July 15 - China should use nuclear weapons against the United States if the American military intervenes in any conflict over Taiwan, a senior Chinese military official said Thursday.

"If the Americans draw their missiles and position-guided ammunition on to the target zone on China's territory, I think we will have to respond with nuclear weapons," the official, Maj. Gen. Zhu Chenghu, said at an official briefing.

General Zhu, considered a hawk, stressed that his comments reflected his personal views and not official policy. Beijing has long insisted that it will not initiate the use of nuclear weapons in any conflict.


This is an old article from the NYT but it shows some hawks

[brocktonblockbust]

China is correct. What the hell business is it of the United States to get involved with Taiwan

[TitoFan]

China is correct. What the hell business is it of the United States to get involved with Taiwan

This is about the 2nd time I remember ever agreeing with you on something. Careful..... don't want to start a trend here.

[Gandalf]

Yes, that is factual, Beanz. Starving Jews did unfortunately have to eat the dead and the leather from their belts. Not very nice. Thought you would have known all this.

I believe in self defence, but not acts of aggression. Every nation has the right to defend itself.

[brocktonblockbust]

China is correct. What the hell business is it of the United States to get involved with Taiwan

This is about the 2nd time I remember ever agreeing with you on something. Careful..... don't want to start a trend here.

Next week it'll be "this is about the third time I remember ever agreeing with you on something....."

Tito, time will show it 😨😨😨

[walrus]

China is correct. What the hell business is it of the United States to get involved with Taiwan

This is about the 2nd time I remember ever agreeing with you on something. Careful..... don't want to start a trend here.

It’s more geopolitical. We’ve backed Taiwan ever since China fell to Mao. Diplomatically we still “honor” the one China policy but have pushed for Taiwan being autonomous but its a major issue in china. Especially now with China taking over the South China Sea I guess they look at it as a good strategic ally. I don’t know a lot on the subject, I say let Taiwan vote, I do think some of them desire unification with China but only if it could be similar to Hong Kong. They have been an ally and counter balance for 60 years.

[TitoFan]

China is correct. What the hell business is it of the United States to get involved with Taiwan

This is about the 2nd time I remember ever agreeing with you on something. Careful..... don't want to start a trend here.

It’s more geopolitical. We’ve backed Taiwan ever since China fell to Mao. Diplomatically we still “honor” the one China policy but have pushed for Taiwan being autonomous but its a major issue in china. Especially now with China taking over the South China Sea I guess they look at it as a good strategic ally. I don’t know a lot on the subject, I say let Taiwan vote, I do think some of them desire unification with China but only if it could be similar to Hong Kong. They have been an ally and counter balance for 60 years.

I still don't see the point. It's not like the U.S. needs to fear a trade war with Taiwan..... or military prowess from Taiwan..... or any kind of threat from Taiwan. I would think in the global arena you pick your friends and enemies. Why piss off China over such a relatively insignificant issue as Taiwan? It's confounding is what it is.