Meanwhile, in the Pacific

[LDAHL]

I see the Chinese are angry over a recent US/UK/Australia deal that would provide Australia with nuclear propulsion and other sensitive technologies for their submarines. The French are also withdrawing their ambassadors, being upset over losing a deal to sell Australians diesel-electric boats.

Japan has announced that they will defend the Senkaku Islands, which China also claims. The usual made-for-TV incursions are expected.

Taiwan recently saw Chinese violations of their airspace after a recent increase in their defense budget.

India has requested Chinese troop pullbacks from their border, and expressed concern over recent Chinese overtures to the Taliban.

I think this part of the world bears watching.

[Alan]

Four Chinese warships were spotted cruising around our Alaskan coastline in the vicinity of the Aleutian Island chain last week.