Taiwan sits in the way and China as a lot of enemies in the South China Sea and China's trade would be cut off by a blockade of the Malacca Straits. A distant blockade of China can basically strangle the country. Making matters worse are the Nicobar island behind the Malacca Straits.
Could China be taking a page out of America's book?
Going west overland costs more that shipping over water, but it is through the territory of allies. The goods will get to their markets. There is no danger a US Navy blockade.
The Belt and Road Initiative is following the route of the old Silk Road. So is this a case of "Back to the Future" meets "Manifest Destiny".
Next week we see the Taiwanese elections!
It is between the Democratic Progressive Party, somewhat more confrontational with the mainland, and the Kuomintang, which is a little more accommodating to Beijing. The Kuomintang stance is a bit odd considering its combat against the Communists in 1949.
Let's see if Xi had fixed the elections in Taiwan and if the Kuomintang wins. Then we see if the new administration waves the CCP in.
Looks like 2024 is off to an interesting start!
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