Putting eggs in one basket
In recent times, we have all come to see for ourselves the threat that Russia poses to the peace and stability of the world.
Putin's invasion of Ukraine should leave nobody in any doubt as to the disregard Russia has for other people's liberty and their way of life.
The Communist aggressor is showing its true colours, and the West is right to bolster its forces and unite against the threat of further hostilities.
Yet we in the free world should be equally wary of another Communist state, namely China.
It has military might, of course, but also something perhaps even more dangerous - a virtual monopoly on the goods that so many of us rely on.
You just have to think back to the chaos caused by the Covid-19 pandemic; when products manufactured in China could not be shipped here or around the world.
So much of what we depend on or use is made in that country.
Just look at what you buy in the shop or online; it's nearly all manufactured in China.
What would happen if China turned that economic power against us?
Commercial suicide, some would argue, but what if push came to shove and the Chinese chose to suspend or close its supply chain; then where would we be?
The old saying about "never putting all your eggs in one basket" contains wise words and we should take note of such advice.
Consumers will understandably not want to pay more for their goods by having them made elsewhere, especially as we all prepare to tighten our belts in the wake of the expected cost of living crisis, but if such a move guarantees our economic independence and secures our supply lines, then perhaps it is a price worth paying?
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