Natural

Resource

Wars

Dual face tactics jettison China-Philippine detente

A new modus vivendi in the South China Sea, driven by joint energy development proposals, has been undercut by reports Chinese vessels are massing near a sensitive Philippine-occupied island.

Recent reports suggest China is tightening the noose around the Philippine-claimed and strategically sensitive Thitu Island – which hosts a large Filipino community with its own mayor – by deploying several naval and coast guard ships provocatively close to the feature in the disputed Spratly Islands.

 

DYI:

The South China Sea is rich in natural resources such as oil and natural gas. These resources have garnered attention throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Until recently, East Asia's economic growth rates had been among the highest in the world, and despite the current economic crisis, economic growth prospects in the long-term remain among the best in the world. This economic growth will be accompanied by an increasing demand for energy. Over the next 20 years, oil consumption among developing Asian countries is expected to rise by 4% annually on average, with about half of this increase coming from China. If this growth rate is maintained, oil demand for these nations will reach 25 million barrels per day - more than double current consumption levels -- by 2020.

The U.S. is in the process of pivoting from the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Persian Gulf to East and South China Sea.  The primary duty for the protection of sea lines in the north Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea – supported by the U.S., French and Italians – is slated for the British with their soon to be finished jump jet carriers. 

  

Britain's First New Aircraft Carrier in Decades Is Almost Ready

The two flat tops of the Queen Elizabeth class will carry the Joint Strike Fighter.

This is reminiscent of World War II as Japan needing natural resources to power their ever growing economy.  Will this end with the U.S. and China going toe to toe?  I hope not.  However using history as a guide it is far more likely war will occur.  Unfortunately nuclear weapons could come onto our shores with devastation of biblical proportion not seen since the Civil War (War of Northern Aggression).

The players are lining up for WWIII…

Axis Powers

Sunnis’ and Buddhist’s

China – Pakistan – Saudi Arabia – Egypt – Turkey – and other Sunni nations.

Allies

U.S. – U.K. – NATO – Russia – India – Iran

Already tensions are mounting between India and China over water rights as both countries are moving to modernize and urbanize their societies.  Wars have been fought over for far less.  Natural resources of all types come into play so desperately needed war becomes an extension of politics.

DYI