In response to GhalibKabir's views of April 13, 2020.
1. Its interesting to compare economic growth prospects in 2020 of China versus countries it is in strategic competition with.
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Looking at the graph "OECD downgrades growth forecasts" above, from a BBC News, April 3, 2020 article:
- China's growth will be about 4.8%
- Average for World 2.3%
- US 1.8%
- Japan 0.3%
- India?
PETE COMMENT
So even though COVID-19 started in China - by this OECD estimate China will come out less impacted than countries China competes with in strategic terms.
Put another way, China's ability to maintain or increase its defense budget for 2020-2021 will be less effected than its strategic competitors' abilities.
Also as a heavy importer of NOW cheaper oil China benefits compared to oil/gas exporting US and Russia (whose oil/gas revenues have dropped).
2. Pakistan may spend excessive amounts on weapons as it has always been a military dominated country and it is in constant military confrontation with a more powerful neighbour (India). Also the US and China give Pakistan much tied military aid.
3. On "semitic religions" (ie. those that follow one God) I think most outside of India and Pakistan aren't that religious. The US and Russia are both notionally Christian, but that doesn't inhibit their nationalistic mutual antagonism.
Also, I think, India's major enemy, China, is not that religious, more an odd conglomeration of capitalism, communism and Confucianism.
Pete
1. Its interesting to compare economic growth prospects in 2020 of China versus countries it is in strategic competition with.
Looking at the graph "OECD downgrades growth forecasts" above, from a BBC News, April 3, 2020 article:
- China's growth will be about 4.8%
- Average for World 2.3%
- US 1.8%
- Japan 0.3%
- India?
PETE COMMENT
So even though COVID-19 started in China - by this OECD estimate China will come out less impacted than countries China competes with in strategic terms.
Put another way, China's ability to maintain or increase its defense budget for 2020-2021 will be less effected than its strategic competitors' abilities.
Also as a heavy importer of NOW cheaper oil China benefits compared to oil/gas exporting US and Russia (whose oil/gas revenues have dropped).
2. Pakistan may spend excessive amounts on weapons as it has always been a military dominated country and it is in constant military confrontation with a more powerful neighbour (India). Also the US and China give Pakistan much tied military aid.
3. On "semitic religions" (ie. those that follow one God) I think most outside of India and Pakistan aren't that religious. The US and Russia are both notionally Christian, but that doesn't inhibit their nationalistic mutual antagonism.
Also, I think, India's major enemy, China, is not that religious, more an odd conglomeration of capitalism, communism and Confucianism.
Pete