The war drive against China
The world on the brink
The World Socialist Web Site Editorial Board, 12 August 2017
The bellicose language coming from the man in charge of the most powerful military force on the planet is generating increasing shock and fear that nuclear war could break out at any moment.
US to launch drone bombing campaign in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 10 August 2017
The US military was involved in the initial attack by Philippine forces that led to the declaration of martial law and US surveillance planes have directed the daily bombing.
Trump threatens trade war measures against China
By Peter Symonds, 4 August 2017
After criticising Beijing over the latest North Korean missile launch, the Trump administration is preparing to take action against China over intellectual property rights.
US military declares “time is running out” before war with North Korea
By James Cogan, 28 July 2017
The situation is rendered even more volatile and dangerous by the besieged character of the Trump presidency.
Canadian warships join “freedom of navigation” exercises in South China Sea
By Roger Jordan, 27 July 2017
The Canadian navy is joining exercises mounted by the US and its principal Asia-Pacific allies with the aim of threatening and preparing for war with China.
US B-1 bombers challenge Chinese claims in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 8 July 2017
The bomber flight is the latest US provocation ahead of the G20 summit aimed at pressuring China to take stronger action against North Korea.
North Korean missile launch intensifies war danger
By Peter Symonds, 5 July 2017
Washington, not Pyongyang, is primarily responsible for creating the explosive situation on the Korean Peninsula.
US warship intrudes into Chinese-claimed waters in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 3 July 2017
The US naval provocation, following the approval of a large arms deal with Taiwan and US sanctions on Chinese companies, heightens the risk of war with China.
Australia sends spy planes to join US military intervention in the Philippines
By Mike Head, 24 June 2017
Although the initial deployment consists of just two aircraft, they will form part of an intensive operation by US Special Forces.
US demands “much greater” Chinese pressure on North Korea, or else
By Peter Symonds, 22 June 2017
While continuing to press China over North Korea, the Trump administration is warning that the US will resort to other measures—including military action—if there are no results.
Australian intelligence agency demands sweeping powers to suppress Chinese “interference”
By James Cogan, 22 June 2017
ASIO asserts that political opposition to Australian and US policy toward China could be the result of “foreign influence.”
Australian prime minister ridicules Trump as a buffoon and Russian stooge
By James Cogan, 16 June 2017
Malcolm Turnbull wanted his resentment of, and contempt for, the American president made public.
Australian media widens campaign against Chinese “influence”
By James Cogan, 14 June 2017
A witch-hunt against alleged Chinese interference in the country is assuming ever-more anti-democratic and sinister dimensions.
US anti-missile test sends warning to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 31 May 2017
The successful interception of a dummy ICBM demonstrates to North Korea and also China that the US can launch a nuclear attack and counter any attempt to retaliate.
Behind the US war drive against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 30 May 2017
A war to destroy the Pyongyang regime would be aimed at weakening and undermining China, which has always regarded North Korea as an important buffer.
US warship carries out “freedom of navigation” exercise in Chinese-claimed waters
By James Cogan, 26 May 2017
China’s foreign ministry said the move “undermined China’s sovereignty and security,” and risked causing “unexpected air and sea accidents.”
Trump again warns North Korea against nuclear testing
By Peter Symonds, 1 May 2017
Washington is, in effect, blackmailing Beijing, warning that if China does not bring North Korea to heel, the US will do so through military means.
US threats of war against North Korea continue
By Peter Symonds, 17 April 2017
The Trump administration is continuing to warn that military force could be used in response to any nuclear or missile test by Pyongyang.
The Coming War on China: A pacifist appeal
By Richard Phillips, 14 April 2017
Pilger’s documentary exposes something of Washington’s escalating war plans against China but suggests that protests can prevent a nuclear conflagration.
US aircraft carrier deployed in direct threat to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 10 April 2017
Following its attacks on Syria, the US, in a “show of force,” dispatched the Carl Vinson strike group to waters near the Korean peninsula.
Australian opposition parties block extradition treaty with China
By James Cogan, 3 April 2017
With shameless cynicism, China is labelled both a totalitarian state and a threat to the US-dominated global rules-based order.
Tensions erupt between the Philippines and China over disputed island
By Joseph Santolan, 30 March 2017
Sharp divisions emerged in the Duterte administration after a Chinese official announced plans for an environmental monitoring station on the Scarborough Shoal.
China makes overtures amid strategic uncertainty in Australia
By James Cogan, 29 March 2017
Behind the scenes, frank exchanges undoubtedly occurred on Canberra’s stance towards growing tensions between China, its largest trading partner, and the US, its strategic ally.
Japan expands military operations in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 15 March 2017
While operating under the umbrella of its strategic alliance with the US, Tokyo is rearming militarily to pursue its own imperialist ambitions.
US sends drones, assassination squad to South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 14 March 2017
The military build-up by the Trump administration takes place as the White House considers launching strikes on North Korean nuclear and military sites.
US officials accuse China of building missile bases in South China Sea
By Mike Head, 23 February 2017
Media reports have declared the latest claims to be “an early test of US President Donald Trump.”
US conducts show of force in South China Sea
By Mike Head, 20 February 2017
The USS Carl Vinson’s operation is being mounted amid a sharp escalation in US trade war and military threats against China since the inauguration of Trump.
Chinese foreign minister warns against war with the US
By Peter Symonds, 9 February 2017
Trump’s top adviser Steve Bannon declared last March there was “no doubt” that the US would go to war with China over the South China Sea in “five to ten years.”
Trump browbeats Australian “ally”
By Mike Head, 4 February 2017
Just two weeks in office, Trump’s aggressive “America First” economic nationalism and militarism are sending political shockwaves around the world.
Former Australian prime minister denounces Trump over China
By James Cogan, 16 January 2017
Paul Keating stated that a Trump administration threatened to “involve Australia in war with China.”
China and Russia to counter US anti-missile systems in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 14 January 2017
While nominally directed against North Korea, the THAAD deployment in South Korea is part of the US military buildup in Asia for war against China and Russia.
Trump’s China policy threatens nuclear war
By James Cogan, 13 January 2017
President-elect Donald Trump and the cabal of billionaires and ex-generals who will comprise his cabinet have signaled they will substantially intensify the United States’ conflict with China.
Taiwanese president meets senior Republicans, fuelling US-China tensions
By Peter Symonds, 12 January 2017
To underline Beijing’s concerns about closer US ties with Taiwan, the Chinese navy sailed its aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, through the Taiwan Strait.
US think tank urges Trump to confront China in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 3 January 2017
Well aware of the dangers of full-scale war, the report nevertheless insists that the US and its allies must challenge China sooner rather than later.
Chinese vessel seizes US undersea drone in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 17 December 2016
With Washington issuing a formal protest, the incident could rapidly heighten the already tense standoff between the US and China in the strategic waters.
US admiral pledges to confront China in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 15 December 2016
The aggressive remarks by Admiral Harry Harris, commander of US Pacific Command, were encouraged by Trump’s belligerent stance toward China during and since the election.
Chinese fears about Trump and the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 28 November 2016
A Chinese think tank director warned that “strategic rivalry between China and the US is likely to continue over the South China Sea.”
US and Philippine militaries maintain “robust” ties
By Peter Symonds, 26 November 2016
US Admiral Harry Harris, head of Pacific Command, dismissed any suggestion that Philippine President Duterte’s anti-American remarks would derail the US-Philippine alliance.
Election of Donald Trump foreshadows trade war in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 25 November 2016
Trump has not only sunk the Trans Pacific Partnership but called into question the entire basis of the post-World War II order in the Asia Pacific.
Philippine President Duterte continues US military basing deal, hails Trump election
By Joseph Santolan, 11 November 2016
The decision to continue the basing pact represents a reversal of previous statements by Duterte that he would “separate” from the United States.
Australian foreign policy strategists discuss US-China nuclear war
By Patrick Kelly, 10 November 2016
At a forum on “China’s rise,” former defence official Hugh White repeatedly warned of the danger of nuclear war.
Malaysian prime minister forges closer military ties with China
By Peter Symonds, 3 November 2016
During his visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Najib wrote in the state-run media that former colonial powers should not lecture smaller countries over the conduct of their internal affairs.
Indonesia and Australia discuss joint naval patrols in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 2 November 2016
The naval operations would be anything but routine, given that the Indonesian navy has already clashed with Chinese fishing trawlers in the South China Sea.
Philippine President Duterte says he wants US troops out of the country in two years
By Joseph Santolan, 27 October 2016
The abrupt shift in Manila’s foreign policy toward China is an expression of the immense geopolitical tensions stoked by Washington's policies.
US “pivot to Asia” in disarray
By Peter Symonds, 26 October 2016
Far from making a retreat, Washington’s response to its setbacks will be to escalate its diplomatic intrigues and military provocations in the Asia Pacific.
Report signals renewed US pressure on Australia to line up against China
By Peter Symonds, 24 October 2016
The US Studies Centre document examines risks to the US-Australia alliance, raising concerns, in particular, about the lack of public support for the US military build-up in Asia.
US navy sends destroyer to challenge China in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 22 October 2016
The latest US “freedom of navigation” operation came as Philippine President Duterte’s tilt to Beijing dealt a blow to Washington’s “pivot to Asia” strategy.
Public rifts erupt in Australian government
By Mike Head, 22 October 2016
The internal warfare wracking the Liberal-National Coalition cannot be explained by a dispute over gun laws.
Philippine president declares “separation from the US” during visit to China
By Oscar Grenfell, 21 October 2016
Duterte’s statements were met with bewilderment and consternation in Washington.
Philippine president in China seeks to cement closer ties
By Peter Symonds, 19 October 2016
Duterte has signalled that he is open to closer military relations with China and Russia as he seeks billions of dollars in Chinese aid and investment.
Philippine President Duterte tilts toward China
By Peter Symonds, 12 October 2016
In advance of Duterte’s trip next week to China, his defence secretary announced a suspension of joint exercises with the US in the South China Sea.
US seals military basing deal with Australia
By Mike Head, 10 October 2016
The cost-sharing pact will mean billions of dollars being spent on upgrading facilities across Australia for the US military.
France calls for its own “pivot to Asia” amid US war drive against China
By Kumaran Ira, 10 October 2016
French imperialism is laying out an aggressive military strategy in the Asia-Pacific as Washington intensifies its war drive against China.
Australian Labor Party restates call for military challenge to China
By James Cogan, 8 October 2016
Labor’s statements indicate frustration within the US and Australian establishments over the Turnbull government’s refusal to order an operation in the South China Sea.
Escalating war games in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 6 October 2016
Tensions have only worsened since the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favour of the US-backed Philippine challenge to Chinese maritime claims.
US defence secretary announces “third phase” of military build-up against China
By Peter Symonds, 4 October 2016
Ashton Carter made clear that the US would sharpen its “military edge” in the Asia Pacific so as to remain the most powerful military in the region.”
Philippine President Duterte declares end to joint war games with the US
By Joseph Santolan, 1 October 2016
As Duterte has sought to pursue ties with China, Washington, using the pretext of human rights as a means to pressure the Philippine president, has criticized his murderous drug war.
Anti-China witch-hunt targets former Australian foreign minister
By Peter Symonds, 28 September 2016
The attack on Carr, an establishment figure with strong ties in Washington, is a sign that nothing less than full support for the US war drive against China will be tolerated.
Japan scrambles fighter to intercept Chinese military aircraft
By Peter Symonds, 26 September 2016
While the Chinese planes were outside Japanese air space, the incident highlights the sharp tensions in North East Asia amid the ongoing US military build-up in the region.
Japan to conduct South China Sea patrols with US
By Peter Symonds, 19 September 2016
Japan has no claims in the South China Sea but, like the US, is exploiting the territorial disputes to further its own interests in South East Asia.
Philippine foreign secretary says Manila will no longer be US “little brown brother”
By Joseph Santolan, 19 September 2016
As President Duterte downplays the South China Sea dispute with China, Washington is mounting a cynical “human rights” campaign to pressure the Philippines back into line.
Philippine president calls for US special forces to leave Mindanao
By Joseph Santolan, 15 September 2016
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s statements mark a further souring of ties between Manila and Washington under the new president.
US ambassador backs campaign against “Chinese influence” in Australia
By Peter Symonds, 15 September 2016
Berry’s intervention confirms American involvement in the anti-Beijing crusade, and highlights US determination to ensure Canberra’s support for its war drive against China.
The witch-hunt against Chinese influence in Australia
By Peter Symonds, 14 September 2016
The campaign against politicians, commentators and businessmen not fully supportive of the US “pivot” against China is a warning of the advanced character of war preparations in Asia.
Obama heightens antagonisms with China at East Asia Summit
By Joseph Santolan, 9 September 2016
Unable to enlist the Philippines or a reliable proxy from other ASEAN members, Obama was compelled to directly intervene.
Australian senator falls victim to anti-China witch-hunt
By Mike Head, 9 September 2016
Dastyari’s removal sends a wider message to the parliamentary elite that no dissent will be tolerated to the bipartisan policy of backing Washington.
Knives out for Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull
By James Cogan, 7 September 2016
The political atmosphere resembles that before the June 2010 political coup that removed Labor leader Kevin Rudd.
Obama cancels meeting with Philippine President Duterte
By Joseph Santolan, 6 September 2016
The real source of the tensions is Washington’s increasing displeasure over Duterte’s failure to play his assigned role in the US pivot to Asia.
Australia: Opponents of war with China labelled “rats, flies, mosquitoes and sparrows”
By James Cogan, 6 September 2016
The language provides an ominous warning of the chauvinism and hysteria that is set to engulf Australian politics.
Obama and the US secret war in Laos
By Peter Symonds, 6 September 2016
Obama is the first US president since the Vietnam War to visit Laos, the scene of one of US imperialism’s bloodiest crimes, even as his administration is preparing new wars on a far greater scale.
Rising global tensions surface at G20 summit
By Nick Beams, 5 September 2016
It is a sure sign of the deepening malaise of the global capitalist economy, afflicted by lower growth and falling trade, that “overcapacity” in steel was at the very centre of the G20 economic agenda.
Intelligence agencies reportedly question Australian PM’s “stance” on China
By James Cogan, 5 September 2016
The question mark over Turnbull’s allegiance to the US alliance and anti-China agenda has been raised under conditions in which he holds office by a thread.
New Zealand defence minister blames Beijing for South China Sea tension
By John Braddock, 3 September 2016
The comments indicate a shift within the government, following US Vice President Biden’s recent visit, closer to Washington’s belligerent anti-China position.
Australian Labor senator branded a “Manchurian candidate”
By James Cogan, 2 September 2016
Payments accepted by Dastyari have been linked with political positions he advanced on China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
War clouds overhang Obama’s Asian trip
By Peter Symonds, 1 September 2016
Obama will attend international summits in China and Laos amid escalating geo-political rivalries, particularly between Washington and Beijing.
Australian establishment discusses prospect of US-China war
By James Cogan, 1 September 2016
ASPI began with the question “under what circumstances would Australia join in a war against China?”
US-South Korean war games inflame Asian tensions
By Peter Symonds, 23 August 2016
While nominally aimed against North Korea, the exercises consolidate Washington’s military alliance with Seoul as it makes preparations for conflict with China.
Japan plans missile deployment in East China Sea
By Ben McGrath, 19 August 2016
Tokyo intends to design and construct its longest-range missile to cover the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, further risking clashes with Beijing.
Australia becoming “geopolitical flashpoint” amid sharpening US-China rivalry
By Peter Symonds, 17 August 2016
The Financial Times comment underscores the dilemma facing the Australian ruling class as its strategic ally, the US, confronts its largest trading partner, China.
Chinese-South Korean tensions rise over THAAD anti-missile deployment
By Ben McGrath, 15 August 2016
South Korea is lining up more explicitly with Washington and its war drive in the region, using North Korea’s nuclear tests as a pretext.
Australian government blocks Chinese bids for electricity grid
By Mike Head, 13 August 2016
The decision highlights the dilemma facing the Australian ruling elite, which depends heavily on China economically but relies on the US militarily.
Vietnam bases long-range rocket launchers in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 11 August 2016
Hanoi’s move is certain to further accelerate the arms race already underway and to heighten the danger that an incident could lead to military conflict.
Australian government faces “test” over Chinese bid for electricity grid
By Mike Head, 10 August 2016
Sharp differences have erupted over the Turnbull government’s looming decision on whether to permit State Grid to operate Sydney’s electricity supply.
“Thinking Through the Unthinkable”
RAND Corporation lays out scenarios for US war with China
By Peter Symonds, 5 August 2016
The RAND Corporation study provides further evidence that a US war against China is being planned and prepared in the upper echelons of the American military-intelligence apparatus.
Kerry backs Duterte’s murderous anti-drug campaign: “Placing a cheapness on the lives of Orientals”
By Joseph Santolan, 4 August 2016
US Secretary of State Kerry pledged $32 million to fund Philippine President Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, involving death squads, police murders and concentration camps, in order to secure support for Washington’s war drive against China.
China issues warning to Australia over South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 2 August 2016
The state-owned Global Times newspaper suggested that Australia would be “an ideal target for China to warn and strike” if it intruded in South China Sea disputes.
US-China underwater rivalry in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 28 July 2016
While submarines play an important part in conventional warfare, the preoccupation of China and the United States is their role in a nuclear war.
US stokes divisions over South China Sea at ASEAN summit
By Peter Symonds, 25 July 2016
The Philippines and Vietnam are at loggerheads with Cambodia over a reference in the final communiqué to the recent UN-backed court ruling negating China’s maritime claims.
US vice president’s trip triggers debate on US-China conflict
By Mike Head and James Cogan, 23 July 2016
A full-scale US assault on China would almost certainly escalate into a nuclear war, in which millions would die.
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan take opposed stands on Hague court’s anti-China ruling
By Deepal Jayasekera, 22 July 2016
While India has lined up behind Washington in supporting the provocative ruling issued in The Hague, Pakistan has backed China’s rejection of it.
US vice-president makes menacing warning to China
By Peter Symonds, 21 July 2016
Biden’s speech in Sydney made clear that the US will not tolerate any equivocation by Canberra and other regional allies in supporting its war preparations in the Indo-Pacific.
In Australia, US vice president issues belligerent challenge to China
By Mike Head, 20 July 2016
Biden’s trip to Australia came in the immediate aftermath of the arbitration court decision in The Hague declaring illegal Chinese land reclamation activities in the South China Sea.
US admiral holds “frank” talks in Beijing over South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 20 July 2016
The Chinese regime is playing directly into Washington’s hands by resorting to its own reckless military measures that heighten the danger of conflict.
Manila responds to South China Sea ruling
By Joseph Santolan, 15 July 2016
The Duterte government has reacted to the ruling with caution, seeking to placate Washington and Beijing, while the Maoist Communist Party of the Philippines has escalated its attacks on China.
The Hague ruling: A dangerous step toward war
By Peter Symonds, 14 July 2016
The court decision on the South China Sea will heighten tensions and the risk that a minor incident spirals out of control and triggers a conflict between the US and China.
Following South China Sea ruling, Australian Labor Party again demands military action
By James Cogan, 14 July 2016
Australia’s central role in the US preparations for war with China has proceeded despite the misgivings of sections of the ruling elite.
Despite South China Sea crisis, EU deepens relations with China
By Alex Lantier, 14 July 2016
EU officials are pointedly refusing to endorse US and Filipino claims against China in the South China Sea, as laid out in Tuesday’s court ruling in The Hague.
Hague court decision sets stage for US confrontation with China
By Peter Symonds, 13 July 2016
Yesterday’s tribunal ruling branding China’s actions in the South China Sea as “illegal” provides another pretext for the US to ramp up its military expansion in Asia.
Hague court decides South China Sea case today
By Joseph Santolan, 12 July 2016
Regardless of the details of today’s tribunal decision, Washington will exploit the ruling to escalate its war drive against China.
UN court to deliver decision on South China Sea disputes
By Peter Symonds, 11 July 2016
With a ruling imminent, the US has cranked up its propaganda apparatus and military activity in the South China Sea, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation with China.
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