In Outlook dated February 24, this column said: "In the coming weeks the world will watch Iraq. But Indians should watch Pakistan." The unintended result ...
America's leading politicians allegedly amassed personal fortunes by damaging US national security. They helped China build a huge trade surplus with America through sales of low-tech consumer goods manufactured by firms owned by the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The profits helped expand pla operations. Chinese exports to America were five times as much as US exports to China. Over four hundred pla-owned firms are under investigation for stealing American technology.
The leaders who developed China at the cost of American security include Henry Kissinger, Alexander Haig, Bill Clinton, Dick Cheney and many more across both parties. They helped America's top firms from the US-China Business Council get access to China, and pla firms to access the US government.
America's leading journalist Abe Rosenthal wrote in the nyt of October 29, 1996: "Wake up America! Wake up to the truth that the Republican leadership are partners with the Democratic leadership in building up the Chinese Communist Party and its armed forces."
Now the thieves are falling out. A conflict of interest threatens the America-China partnership. America can no more ignore China-sponsored terrorism after China helped Pakistan get its nuclear bomb. That bomb could fall into anti-Israel hands. Secondly, America needs an independent Baluchistan for access to gas-rich Central Asia. Today China has a stranglehold on Baluchistan. It is developing Baluchistan's highly strategic Gwadar port. It is also exploiting Baluchistan's mineral resources.
On March 20 this year, several things happened simultaneously. America bombed Iraq. It launched its biggest air assault against Al Qaeda near southern Kandahar. China shrilly demanded an end to hostilities. Reuters reported that political analysts were surprised by the change from China's earlier moderate tone. America 'temporarily' closed its embassy in Islamabad. Iran's Ali Akbar Velayati rushed to confer with Musharraf. Both apprehend an independent greater Baluchistan.
Pakistan's territorial integrity is the foundation of the Sino-US partnership. As America and China arm-wrestle in Pakistan, India must bide its time.
When thieves fall out,
Wars begin
That are all about
Saving one's skin.