Taking Naval Options Away from China

Peter Zeihan 5 min

New weapon systems deployed by Japan and the US permanently lock China into the western side of the first island chain. China is screwed because every nation in the region now has the ability to destroy its economy by interrupting sea lanes.

Key points

  • 0:00

    Japan launched a Type 88 anti-ship missile from the Philippines.

  • 0:00

    These truck-mounted systems block Chinese access to the wider world.

  • 0:00

    The US has not reinforced the first island chain during the Cold War.

  • 0:00

    China and the US are now outright hostile to each other.

  • 0:00

    Truck-mounted weapons allow nations to fortify the island chain without fixed installations.

  • 1:43

    The Typhon Tomahawk launcher has a range of 1,500 miles.

  • 1:43

    The Type 88 missile has a range of about 100 miles.

  • 1:43

    Philippines, Japan, and US Marines can now create no-go zones for Chinese vessels.

  • 1:43

    These systems castrate the entire Chinese military position in the region.

  • 1:43

    Japan has tested an offensive weapon system outside its home islands for the first time since WWII.

  • 1:43

    China is the most dependent country in the world on globalization.

5:51

The Limits of China's Military Reach

Peter Zeihan

China utterly lacked the military means in order to protect that trade even within sight of its own shore. But we now know that if they do go down, they're going to be taking the fuel systems of a half a dozen countries that the United States cares a fair amount about as a side effect.

Map of the places in “China Gets a New Base in Southeast Asia” 3:41

China Gets a New Base in Southeast Asia

Peter Zeihan

China is building a self-sufficient base in Laos to project power across Southeast Asia despite the high risk of conflict with Thailand. Thailand represents a significant strategic hurdle because it is the most capable country in the region with a history of resisting foreign control.

6:16

Lessons From Japan's Demographic Collapse

Peter Zeihan

Aging populations combined with broken supply chains create de-civilizational risks for nations outside the US-Japan alliance. Aligning with Japan and the US provides the most favorable security and economic access.

31:25

Ukraine Just Sabotaged China's Plot to Attack Taiwan

Paul J. Warburg

Ukraine has now single-handedly made it impossible for China to ever successfully invade or annex Taiwan through military action. The war in Ukraine has caused a lot of good for the world that may, in the net, actually be a net benefit.

36:36

China’s Taiwan Problem Just Got Much Worse - with Greg Terry

Paul J. Warburg

The war in Ukraine has made a Chinese invasion of Taiwan impossible through military means. The West must stop its arrogance and learn from Ukraine's example of winning through unity and action.

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