I don’t understand. Are you saying that the US has a hard time controlling the waters just off the coast of Alaska? I mean, I get that we don’t necessarily “need” to patrol them heavily right now because of the ice, but I don’t think that means it would be hard to do so if it became a priority.
I don’t see how thawing seas help China unless they’re planning on retaking Outer Manchuria from Russia?
I believe the correct term these days is Personchuria
Not sure what Manchuria has to do with it … the Chinese are looking for a sea route to deliver goods to Europe.
So they would go north to avoid US control, passing through [checks notes] the US/Japan-controlled East China Sea and the US-controlled Bering Strait?
Thereby avoiding multiple tight spots and shaving over two weeks off the travel time, yes. And it’s not a secret either.
If it’s just to avoid navigation hazards and save time, what was your point in mentioning that the South China Sea is “US-controlled?”
Because the South China Sea is a US-controlled tight spot and such spots are obviously easier to control than the proposed Bering Sea passage.
I don’t understand. Are you saying that the US has a hard time controlling the waters just off the coast of Alaska? I mean, I get that we don’t necessarily “need” to patrol them heavily right now because of the ice, but I don’t think that means it would be hard to do so if it became a priority.
But look … One of these is going to be easier to patrol: