Friday, May 27, 2011

The Last Pearl

China has surely stated the obvious about solving the Somalia pirate problem by raising the option of sending in ground troops:

Chinese military leaders are pointing out that there is no other option, especially if the pirates are to be shut down. The Chinese are willing to contribute to the invasion force, but not to do it by themselves.

I'm sure the Chinese would love to establish themselves ashore in Somalia where they could base warships and aircraft to anchor the western end of their planned "string of pearls" bases along their supply lines through the Indian Ocean.

As much as we would like to smash up the pirates, I wouldn't let the Chinese ashore there. They'd never leave.