<<Should we break off normal relations with all of them?>>
Yes, if they are spying on our most sensitive national secrets- WMD in particular- we should not be treating them as friends.
Take this statement and reverse it.
We all know the US has an active espionage apparatus, both agent based and through electronic means.
Should other nations break off relations with the US because we "read their mail" and try to gain access to their deepest, darkest secrets??
Not very likely, given our economic and military strength and their need for markets.
The best way to get "revenge" for such espionage is to proactively implement or alter policy in such a way that it places pressure on the offending nation. Taking the case in point, China, it is obvious that the recent year has seen Bejing blustering and intimidating other nations in the region. Very much like small animals that can puff up their chest or a head crest to make themselves look more powerful than they are. This is what China is doing. They are NOT going to "Nuke us", anymore than the Russians carried out threats to "Nuke us" during the 50s and 60s. It is bluster and a sign of internal political insecurity on Bejings part.
If you want to impact China, support their rivals. Nations like India have comparable population sizes and are natural rivals for geo-political power. Lay down the law with regard toward preserving Taiwan security, and be willing to accept the repercussions even if it means suddenly lessening investment in China and favoring India instead.
The US has become too dependent/obsessed with China's market and economic potential. There are several nations or regions that can replace China's population and they are even more desperate for foreign capital. This would prevent US interests being held hostage to a govt that is reliant upon hostile political rhetoric.
China wants respect. However, they think they can get away with demanding respect, rather than winning it on the international stage for pursuing proactive democratic and capitalist change.
Keeping our options open seems to be a political strength the US lacks in its foreign policy.
Regards,
Ron |
