Economic conquest by China

INTERNATIONAL warfare has changed considerably since the construction of Kissing Point’s coastal defence batteries.

Built to repel anticipated Russian expansionism in the form of a naval incursion, they were never tested in anger, save as observation points in both world wars.

Once again world tensions have escalated to the brink of possible war between several nations across multiple borders.

In Australia’s case, China looms as the prime threat.

The question that should be asked is, does China need to rely on military means to take control of Australia?

One of the reasons given for Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941 were economic sanctions imposed by the US.

Specifically, President Roosevelt banned exports of scrap-iron, petroleum and rubber in 1940.

These bans were intended to disrupt Japanese military operations in China while further limiting its potential to seize further South-east Asian territories. The Dutch East Indies was a major petroleum producer and exporter and was believed to be high on any further Japanese plans, as were other resource rich countries.

Further, the US indicated through diplomatic channels it would be unlikely to intervene in any Japanese military expansion there, though defence of the Philippines was an entirely different priority.

US General Douglas Macarthur was both US military adviser and commander of all Philippines defence assets. Despite claiming neutrality, the US was financially supporting military expansion in Britain and Nationalist China, setting the environment in which it could go to war if provoked.

China’s expansion into the western Pacific has been a mix of increased military posture with a secondary acquisition of coveted strategic and economic assets in countries like Australia.

Some of this has been achieved by the simple expedient of countries defaulting on China’s belt and road initiative, or by purchase and lease of assets like Darwin’s harbour and Australian primary production assets.

Mortgagee in possession is more commonly applied to individual and corporate financial distress.

China seems determined to turn it into an international strategic asset acquisition program.

Wild conspiracy theories of Chinese induced health pandemics aside, Australian governments need to be aware of subjugation by economic capitulation.