Yemen, Yemen make us proud, turn another ship around!

I'm sure you are absolutely on the money there @BorgQueen .

Taiwan controls 90% of the World’s production of semi conductors, I imagine that China would rather like that control.

China's Belt and Road initiatives have funded infrastructure all around the world that the Chinese think might be useful as they seek domination. It's not just Africa and Sri Lanka; much of the Caribbean has similar Chinese-built and funded infrastructure. All this will enable China to exact economic dues, like a perpetual PFI loanshark.

My Sri Lankan friend is uneasy by how much infrastructure China own there and what they may require in return, I understand they are doing the same in many developing nations in Africa. It's a familiar playbook but without the liberal guilt.

As with all 'empires' there will be some benefits to the recipients and if benefits outweigh costs everyone is happy. It remains to be seen what the costs are.

Would it be in China's best interests to 'invade' Taiwan by force, what would they gain?

Anyway..apologies: back to the thread.

@Trulywonderful

"Yes China is building up to an invasion. They have made that clear. It will probably happen in the next year because most the countries that potentially help Taiwan are getting spread fairly thinly regarding resources, weapons or military."

+++

I think after what we have seen with Iran and Russia in Crimea is that rather than open conflict these nations including China prefer in the grey zone of spreading discontent, funding adversaries to try and wear their opponents downs rather than the risk of outright war.

There are some really good podcasts by Sky news on this:

news.sky.com/story/amp/into-the-grey-zone-podcast-episode-one-the-gathering-storm-12184704

@noblegiraffe

"I think people are happy to believe that Iran are stirring up trouble in the Middle East by funding various groups and regimes but are less willing to believe the same thing might be happening to us. "

+++
If Iran can spend multi millions funding Hamas, Houthis,Iraqi militants, Syrian militants, Hezbollah etc etc. Then I really don't think it's that much beyond the realms of possibility that they could bung a few hundred grand towards the useful idiots organising protests or speaking at protests in the West.

'The enemy of my enemy is my friend' springs to mind.

They are strange bedfellows, but their interests seem
to
align.

@stomachameleon You say that like you've given it a lot of thought!😂

I always imagine he has a wanger snuggled in between off ginger candy floss like pubes.

Is that too much information?

Afraid so!

@Papyrophile is that Trumps wanger you are referring too?

I think the Chinese may wait to invade Taiwan until the US election. Hate the man as I do, he seemed able to wave his willy around with the other big swinging dicks. His unpredictability may be an advantage. (She says, with fingers and toes crossed.)

So a fight between Islamists and Communists for domination. Do Syria and Iran realise who they're in bed with. First warplane is free and then you pay.

Completely agree @Trulywonderful

Totally agree with you

Yes China is building up to a invasion. They have made that clear. It will probably happen in the next year because most the countries that potentially help Taiwan are getting spread fairly thinly regarding resources, weapons or military.

If people have not been watching the three big nasties that are the leaders of Russia, Iran and China very closely in the last couple of years they should be.

In my book, Islamist does refer to extremists, not to all Muslims. Just thought I should spell that out clearly.

Aw shucks I would have chosen an otter for UK, cute and playful critters that they are. Our poor old lion needs a few chip butties to fatten him up.
& Tbh that bear looks a bit podgy so probably ready for hibernation.😉

I believe
South Africa (giraffe)
India (elephant)
Brazil (jaguar)
China (dragon)
Arabs (camel)
Russia (bear)

And
Italy (wolf)
Japan (monkey)
France (rooster)
Uk (lion)
Israel (cockroach)
Canada (beetle)
USA (vulture)
Germany (cheetah)

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Does Russia think the north Koreans are a load of bullocks? How rude.😁

Is it supposed to be N.korea?

Vile