North Korea

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by dr.***er

I really don't think that's the case, I think a lot of the reason we're dealing with it like this is because China is there. We don't want to piss off a sleeping giant. And to be honest...that's very wise.

Interesting quote I saw from an article today....

The Rev. Roger Ryu, pastor of Hahn-In Christian Reformed Church in Wyoming, believes North Korea has been reduced to desperate measures by its isolation and shaky economy.

"They are very desperate. They are extremely isolated," said Ryu, 57, who has lived in the United States since 1973.

"They are really looking for a free economic gift. It's like they are saying, 'I have an atomic bomb. Give me some bread.'"

Maybe. We'll just have to wait and see.
I agree, China will play big on this one.

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by Downthestretch55

Maybe. We'll just have to wait and see.
I agree, China will play big on this one.

Actually, North Korea is largely China's problem...the Chinese surely don't need some idiot with nukes next door and they are well aware of the danger he creates. His country is starving and one would think that very soon, internal opposition will arise, perhaps even from his own military.

[Downthestretch55]

Somer,
You know far more about this situation than I do.
Going back to the Korean War (police action), wasn't it the Chinese that came to the aid of North Korea?
Does China's largest share of foreign aid go to North Korea?
And, since the Korean War, hasn't the USA maintained a substantial military presence at the DMZ?
I only ask because I haven't kept up with our involement in this region, other than buying Chinese manufactured goods at my local Walmart.
Thanks for filling me in.
DTS

The North Koreans scare the crap out of the Japanese. Just imagine such a tightly packed island, that could easily get hit by conventional missles from a very close neighbor. We dont have that problem. (Not to mention that the Japanese did some horrible things to the Chinese and Koreans during WWII). So the Japanese are terribly concerned. And if they are concerned, we are concerned.

I think the Chinese do not have a problem with the N. Koreans causing the Japanese major anxiety. The Chinese do have a problem if this causes us to become aggressive... To give us an excuse to load the Japanese up with some anti-missle system, or worse, for us to start working intensely on anti-missle systems that actually work. The Chinese do not like that aspect at all.

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by pgardn

The North Koreans scare the crap out of the Japanese. Just imagine such a tightly packed island, that could easily get hit by conventional missles from a very close neighbor. We dont have that problem. (Not to mention that the Japanese did some horrible things to the Chinese and Koreans during WWII). So the Japanese are terribly concerned. And if they are concerned, we are concerned.

I think the Chinese do not have a problem with the N. Koreans causing the Japanese major anxiety. The Chinese do have a problem if this causes us to become aggressive... To give us an excuse to load the Japanese up with some anti-missle system, or worse, for us to start working intensely on anti-missle systems that actually work. The Chinese do not like that aspect at all.

Pat,
Now it's starting to make sense...Japanese missile bases. Throw Taiwan into the mix and the huge credit debt owed to China...the picture becomes much clearer.
Recent history hasn't proven China to be very good at negotiating. The memory of Tienemin Square is still a bit fresh.
I hope they are more skilled this time around.

Originally Posted by Downthestretch55

Pat,
Now it's starting to make sense...Japanese missile bases. Throw Taiwan into the mix and the huge credit debt owed to China...the picture becomes much clearer.
Recent history hasn't proven China to be very good at negotiating. The memory of Tienemin Square is still a bit fresh.
I hope they are more skilled this time around.

The entire world is very concerned about our working on anti-missle systems. It scares the Russians and Chinese a great deal. We can make the logical assessment that you guys got a madman over there that wants to deal us a blow, we are going to concentrate very heavily on missile defense. Tough luck, you cant handle the madman, we must protect ourselves. They know this is the next step if Iran and N. Korea really get out of hand. That really is a huge trump card for the US. The technology is super difficult, but if any country can do it, we can.