Sure let China have a few decades of go's at it. Taiwan gets a reprieve.
I wish the reprieve for Taiwan would be the outcome, I don't see it. China shares a border with Afghanistan, they and Russia have already been working with the Taliban almost certainly for years, along with Iran and Pakistan who want the U.S driven out of the M.E.
The Taliban most likely feel beholden to them. These men were living in caves for almost 20 years, they had the will, but not the support. We can assume who was funding them bahind the scenes.
China
isn't going to require a large amount of resources for this campaign. It's in their neck of the woods. They will use the Afghans primarily as an investment opportunity and geographic influence. They have been FAR smarter than the West in this understanding.
It might even be argued that America knew that China was growing in 2000 and so the best chance to enter Afghanistan was during this period where proxies could interfere (and everyome knew America was pissed and committed after 9/11). Now, however, we understand Chinas capabilities has drastically improved, especially if lead by Russia who have far better action expereince (they are partnering in joint drills in some cases Russians are driving Chinese technology just these last few days).
ln places they view making inroads in, be it Africa, South America, Middle East, the pacific orbit, it has always been about exerting influence and economic "deals". I even imagine it would be fun work acquiring these deals,
not unlike ttying to steal accounts for a businesses competitor, (oh, that is a great feeling), but in this case, it is major operation with large countries. Hey, sales is sales.
America used to do this as well. Instead, Bush went in and the focus was multiple directions working with Afghans who were very brave when the U.S was on their side, but not foolish or courageous enough to deal with a Taliban who is backed by global powers. The pull out of that last air support closed the deal
If anything,
Taiwan will just be bombarded with Chinese propaganda designed to sow doubt in the minds of Taiwanese. It's why it is angering me that the State Department basically undermined Bidens message on Taiwan. Taiwan and Japan would love to hear this. We can't lose our British/French moment when they returned to honor their agreements with Poand, The Czechs and others.
If this country can only get loud vocal support from Japan, where should those who want to assist in the battle for liberty in the world? Japan or Taiwan? I can't see America having as vital a role as they once did on the issue of influence (which really has countries spooked).
I imagine this is will the propaganda and influence peddling activities will occur, while China tries to strike fear more loudly in Taiwan. Taiwan and Japan will have to do the same via defense action as the threat arises.
The rest of the West must be there as well in these efforts. There are dozens of nations with interests in the South China Sea and Taiwans orbit, it's a much easier sell to those stakeholders with an even broader cooalition of the willing.
As long as America leads. A cold war in some parts of the HK (generally stifled), far greater opportunity in Taiwan to create a buffer.
