US, Thailand boost military ties to counter China

[Turborama]

Source: Channel News Asia

BANGKOK: The United States and Thailand pledged Thursday to renew their military alliance for a new security era, during a regional tour by Washington's defence chief designed to counter China's rise.

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said the new joint defence declaration between the decades-old allies had "moved this alliance into the 21st century".

The last time the two nations drafted such a joint declaration was in 1962, when the United States promised to defend Thailand from "communist aggression".

=snip=

His visit to Bangkok marked the first face-to-face talks between US and Thai defence ministers since 2008, and came days before President Barack Obama is due in the region for a tour of Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Read more: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1237499/1/.html

[Selatius]

1. I dunno why we want to turn China into the next Evil Empire.

They are our biggest trade partner. I would think antagonizing our biggest trade partner is foolhardy.

[joshcryer]

3. China enjoys unlimited trade.

Not sure what this is about.

[dipsydoodle]

5. That's quite aside

from China owning a substantial part of US debt. If they had a fire sale they could create circumstances under which the US$ may never recover.

[joshcryer]

2. Weird, I see that. Zero views.

Refreshed a couple of times.

[Ash_F]

4. Nothing I enjoy reading about more...

than escalating tensions and increased militarization. This time in Thailand! Yay!

[madrchsod]

6. game on!

[Franker65]

7. Working against China is counter productive

More countries should accept China for the force its become. Still, considering their human rights record and territorial aspirations in South East Asia, its not much of a surprise that neighboring states treat the country with some form of trepidation. If you look at statistics regarding the public approval of China's and United States' leadership among ASEAN members in 2011, you'll see far more support for the US. Its also interesting that the Americans are approaching Vietnam about bases and cooperation in the face of Chinese sabre-rattling.