South Korea sends overpowering military message to China, Russia, and North Korea

[Boats]

South Korea sends overpowering military message to China, Russia, and North Korea
By: Tom Rogan - 7-23-19
RE: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/o...nd-north-korea

Firing more than 350 rounds in warning off a Russian radar aircraft that twice entered its airspace on Tuesday, South Korea signaled its resolve to Russia, China, and indirectly, also North Korea.

The use of force was proportionate to the Russian action. With two separate incursions into South Korea's airspace, the Russian Air Force showed wanton disregard for Seoul's sovereignty and its rights under international law. Even by Russian standards, this action was extreme. But the context matters.

Operating alongside the Chinese air force, the Russians intended to intimidate South Korea and Japan and aggravate the United States. Fortunately, the South Korean military has sent a rather unmistakable warning that this kind of incident should not reoccur.

The U.S. should welcome this courage. The evolving Chinese-Russian alliance intends to undercut the American-led democratic international order. It requires riposte wherever it figuratively or literally (as in this case) crosses the line.

But the Russians were somewhat stupid here. After all, China will likely be unhappy with the excessive Russian aggression. That's because Beijing wants to limit Seoul's increasing association with the broader U.S. security umbrella in Southeast Asia. But Russia's aggression will only encourage Seoul to do the opposite and double down on U.S. support, especially in air and missile defense capabilities: two areas Beijing is desperate to see Seoul avoid.

South Korea has also sent an indirect message to North Korea. Kim Jong Un, even before taking the leadership reins in Pyongyang, has regarded Seoul as a malleable foe to be corralled by threat and dominated by force. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has sometimes reinforced this perception by supporting appeasement in face of Kim's escalation. But Tuesday's action will force the North Koreans to reassess that understanding.

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Personal note: The heat is ratcheting up. It may not be long before an all out exchange occurs. It will grow fast from that point on. It's going to get ugly real quick. China, Russia and North Korea have all been pushing all the wrong buttons. Their aggression will end badly and spread throughout the Middle East like a wildfire. They are not going to like the final results. The world is watching it closely - with little support at this time - but it could result in a major ordeal if this tit-for-tat exercise of rocket exchanges isn't brought under control. We also have Iran as a smoking gun the Middle East which isn't going away anytime soon. It will be a quick major response by all those parties with devastating results felt around the world.

Boats