Nations are redefining their #military power in a quest to keep pace with the changing nature of geo-politics. In Asia, America and Europe, there is a growing anxiety about shifting allegiances and the United State's new regime. Amidst the transformation of #United States foreign diplomacy from globally integrated to a more protectionist and inward-looking sovereignty, the world – particularly Europe and Asia – are looking to redefine their defense and military strategies.
On Tuesday, news broke that #China had warned the US of a volatile nuclear arms race if they continued to deploy an antagonistic missile defense system in South Korea, directed against North Korea’s developing nuclear arsenal.
The fracas came a day after #North Korea launched four missiles simultaneously into waters off the Japanese coast. Pyongyang claimed it was a drill for hitting US bases in Japan. The North Korean accomplishment raised concerns about North Korea's potential to overwhelm the new South Korean defense system.
The flurry of military and nuclear developments created yet more anxiety in Asia as signs showed that #Pyongyang is near to completing its intercontinental missile that can distribute nuclear force to the US. At the same time, the United States and South Korea were deploying large-scale military exercises that are sure to irk North Korea.
On Tuesday, China condemned the United States’ decision to implement the #Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or Thaad, and said that Beijing would “take the necessary steps to safeguard our own security interests.”
“The consequences will be shouldered by the United States and South Korea,” a spokesman for #China said, cautioning that the two countries should not “go further and further down the wrong road.”
Xinhua, the Chinese official news agency, said the #US's new defense system will burden the region with an #arms race and "more missile shields of one side inevitably bring more nuclear missiles of the opposing side that can break through the missile shield."
Also this week, the #Europe Union announced its plans to build headquarters for a European military training operation in an effort to shore up defense in the wake of the US's apparent loss of interest in the region.
This was announced by the foreign and defense ministers of European Union members on Monday and temporarily, at least, dispelled concerns that this was a rival European army to NATO.
France and Germany have been pressuring the EU to do more about the region's defense and counter terrorism measures in the wake of countless attacks and shifting geo-political nexuses.
Whilst Britain was against such measures, now that #Brexit has seen the UK exit the debate, a united European defense program is more likely.
Also on Tuesday, there was talk in Europe of a #European Union nuclear weapons program. Under such a proposal, France’s nuclear collection would be repurposed to protect all of Europe and be placed under a common European plan, doctrine or command. This would be a solution if the Continent could no longer count on American protection.
