Buoyed by growing economic and military strength, China is drawing more lines in the sand in the vast, but disputed, offshore zones in Asia over which it claims sovereignty or jurisdiction. These "red lines," which China warns should not be crossed, affect the vital interests of Taiwan, Southeast Asia and Japan.
They also test the resolve of the United States to continue to support a treaty and partnership system with its allies and friends that has been a foundation for stability and growth in East Asia since the end of World War II.
If those Falcons are the canary in the coal mine, our entire position in the western Pacific could collapse. It relies on confidence that we will counter Chinese power. Even now, Vietnam--which lacks 100 miles of water between themselves and China--is willing to buy our arms to resist Chinese coercion:
The U.S. Defense Department is examining whether the country will lift restrictions on the sale of military technology to Vietnam, Senator Jim Webb said at a press conference in Hanoi today.
The department and Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense have had “careful but positive” discussions on the issue, he said. The U.S. currently bans the sale of lethal weapons to Vietnam under an arms embargo in place since 1984.
From our point of view, selling Taiwan arms even if Taiwan ultimately loses a war with China is far better than just letting Taiwan fall without a fight because nobody believes we will stand up to China. Allies and potential allies don't need to believe we can win every fight with China. But they do have to believe we will fight at their side--or just sell them what they need to fight--if they are in the sights of Peking.
