An excellent editorial on February 22nd, “Mr. I do not agree that it poses an existential threat to
Although our economy is deeply integrated, there are almost always alternatives. As the editorial pointed out, although China is among our top three trading partners, it is far behind in third place when it comes to exports, and purchases less than half of what Canada and Mexico do. China exports many goods to the United States, but those exports are also a double-edged sword, hindering the development of domestic and allied capabilities to support critical industries.
The editorial emphasized that American farmers are selling crops to China, which is more of a vulnerability to China than the United States. China, which has about 18 percent of the world’s population but only 9 percent of its arable land and 6 percent of its fresh water, would struggle to feed itself if there were a disastrous invasion of Taiwan. When it comes to preventing war, that influence is very advantageous for us, and it’s good for Taiwan and the world.
The editorial got it right: the dire economic situation is a direct result of China’s state control over its people, businesses, and capital. For China to make a “rapid course correction,” as the editorial encourages, ordinary Chinese citizens who are bearing the brunt of the economic collapse will need to be forced into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. Unfortunately, it will take more economic pain to get there.
Elaine Dezenski, arlington