Just talking. We are simultaneously sending other messages (can't build ships amongst them) and hearing partner nations in Asia telling us to focus on interests and asking us not to force them to choose. Each international actor in the region (to include our opponents) will have their own definition of acceptable diplomatic and economic outcomes and must be active participants in changing the trajectory of the current state toward a more desirable outcome.
“....the rule of law that is the foundation for a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region...”
"....to uphold the global rules-based order."
“Every country should be free to conduct lawful air and maritime operations."
"...striving to realise a free and open international order based on the rule of law and securing regional peace and stability."
I hope the PAO who wrote them gets a Meritorious Service Medal at the very least. But they are only words. I can hear the laughter in Beijing.
You want to get Xi's attention? Slap a 25% tariff on Chinese imports. Close all the Confucius centers. End China's purchase of American farmland. Deport all illegal Chinese immigrants.
If you really want to get his attention, then recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation or at least threaten to do so. If he says this means war, then so be it. Let us fight it here and now rather than in the future. I don't think Xi will be so eager to gamble.
Gah! All the crappy comments about our LCS making a (under)statement in WESTPAC. All the best spit wads have been spat with good effect, pretty sure I couldn't diss any better. Won't even try. Next time I need to get to the pile-on earlier.
Unless we get serious about material and combat readiness (See Danish frigate Iver Huitfeldt, HMS Diamond.) this is but a pretty photo-op. But, it's a start, and something to build upon.
Just talking. We are simultaneously sending other messages (can't build ships amongst them) and hearing partner nations in Asia telling us to focus on interests and asking us not to force them to choose. Each international actor in the region (to include our opponents) will have their own definition of acceptable diplomatic and economic outcomes and must be active participants in changing the trajectory of the current state toward a more desirable outcome.
LCS plus water cannon?
As a reminder...
Sixty years ago...this was the combat power that could be amassed...and maintained...in the South China Sea.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Task_Force_77_(United_States_Navy)#/media/File%3ATask_Force_77_in_South_China_Sea%2C_1965.jpg
Now we've got the Mobile.
Beautiful words. Well-coordinated.
“....the rule of law that is the foundation for a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region...”
"....to uphold the global rules-based order."
“Every country should be free to conduct lawful air and maritime operations."
"...striving to realise a free and open international order based on the rule of law and securing regional peace and stability."
I hope the PAO who wrote them gets a Meritorious Service Medal at the very least. But they are only words. I can hear the laughter in Beijing.
You want to get Xi's attention? Slap a 25% tariff on Chinese imports. Close all the Confucius centers. End China's purchase of American farmland. Deport all illegal Chinese immigrants.
If you really want to get his attention, then recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation or at least threaten to do so. If he says this means war, then so be it. Let us fight it here and now rather than in the future. I don't think Xi will be so eager to gamble.
The only blight on the affair being the USN participating with a LCS. Alas, the OHP Class!
PRC leadership are not sleeping well tonight seeing the mighty LCS in formation with her vaunted "wave attack" at the ready.
Smart to put the Little Crappy Ship at the end of the column, thus not having to sheer out in order to deal with her going cold, dark and quiet
Great messaging--yes. The Least capable ship of the formation is the one from the USN--embarrassing.
You can see from the wake of the LCS, all of it’s failures.
Gah! All the crappy comments about our LCS making a (under)statement in WESTPAC. All the best spit wads have been spat with good effect, pretty sure I couldn't diss any better. Won't even try. Next time I need to get to the pile-on earlier.
Unless we get serious about material and combat readiness (See Danish frigate Iver Huitfeldt, HMS Diamond.) this is but a pretty photo-op. But, it's a start, and something to build upon.
Wonder if this visit by these Army Guys was related...
https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2403/8271918/1000w_q95.jpg
Nice. Nicer if S. Korea, and the Kiwis had come out to play
For a "low observable" ship that LCS sure is observable.
Who’s the fat chick in the back of the line?
A good start.