After a long talk with an old SAIS buddy of mine, we came to the conclusion that China has blown it; Japan will now, following up on its more general security strategy, look to disinvest and take its business away and put it with the growing string of Asian nations who are also pissed at and increasingly concerned with China’s belligerence. Can China control the genie of nationalism it has unleashed?  I can see whiplash ahead.

The U.S. will find more common ground with Russia, if it has any sense at all. In any case, in answer to the old fear of abandonment that seems to resurface regularly, the U.S. in no certain terms seems to be showing more of its cards. Thank you, Mr. P!