But the United States itself refuses to be party to it. The
US instead plays by a different set of rules and extends its boundary waters
far beyond the claims of any other nation.
The United States cannot bring charges against China because
it is not a member of the conference. And yet the US has encouraged the Philippines
to pursue the case and Manila was recently rewarded with American diplomatic
and financial support.
The 'Pivot to Asia' is in part a diplomatic agenda that seeks
to manipulate other East Asian nations into a militaristic stance vis-à-vis
China. The South China Sea disputes have been generated by the US in order to
provoke and ultimately contain China. Beijing has responded by moving to secure
their interests in the region and is ultimately playing right into US hands.
Western Media has successfully spun the story into a tale of
Beijing's aggression. To question US domination is to be an aggressor. Under
the pretense of stopping a 'bully' the US bullies and intimidates nations and
regions and when they protest, the US feigns benign innocence and cries
aggression.
It is absurd to suggest Beijing wants to suppress trade in
the region as this very trade is the lifeblood of their economy. Would the US
want to stop oil tankers leaving the Middle East? It is Washington not Beijing
that is pushing for war. Many strategic thinkers in Washington believe this
conflict is inevitable and believe it must be pursued now as opposed to later. If
China is allowed to strengthen over the next couple of decades the US hand
could be considerably weakened... though this thinking seems to ignore the
growing trouble and tensions within China itself.
Sadly, such calculus often becomes self-fulfilling and we are
reminded of the events of the first phase of the Cold War (1947-62), a fifteen
year collision course that was hardly necessary and brought the world to the
brink of catastrophe.
The Philippines v.
China is a US backed project and now gives the United States diplomatic cover
for what can only be described as its militarism. Based on the Permanent Court
of Arbitration (PCA) ruling, the US can now browbeat nations like Australia and
all but force them to support US strategy.
Biden's recent Australian tour was not just about opening a cancer
centre or 'assuring' Canberra of US intentions. The newly elected Turnbull was
less than enthusiastic regarding US policy just a couple of years ago. Viewed
as 'soft' on China, He didn't want the US alliance to destroy Australia's
China-dependent economy.
Biden's statement was basically "I find your lack of
faith disturbing," and was all the more alarming when one considers US
involvement in and manipulation of Australian politics. His remarks about the
relationship being baptised in blood also carried an ominous tone.
While the mainstream media spun the story and made it sound
like it was a weakened and unstable US pledging support, those in the
Australian Establishment would have heard a different message. You will 'bet on' the US, and your
relationship with China is secondary. I would argue you have to read between
the lines and take in the entirety of the context of Biden's visit, Turnbull's
new administration and US plans for Australia and the region. What seems a
benign and encouraging speech is actually full of hubris and danger.
In the meantime the US is utilising every tool in order to marshal
a policy devoted to US hegemony in East Asia. This includes military,
diplomatic and trade alliances and the US will use everything from NGO's to
international bodies in order to effect this policy.
Australia, like it or not will remain a key base in the
Anglo-American alliance and a participant in US Imperialism.
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