While Malcolm Turnbull considers exercises in the South China Sea (“Turnbull weighs China sea exercises”, The Age, 26/1), it is wise to examine whether the proposed actions will achieve a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
China’s build up of naval and air facilities commenced following President Barack Obama’s announcement of the Asia pivot and Trans-Pacific Partnership policies that aim to strangle China militarily and economically, and the US’s decision to station much of its navy in the western Pacific. Moreover, China has claimed ownership of the Spratly Islands. The first thing to examine is whether this claim has any validity. If so, China has the right to do as it thinks fit, whether we like this or not. It is easy to start a war, but difficult to stop one.
– Bill Mathew, CLA member, Parkville Vic