THE GROWING THREAT OF A NEW 'AXIS OF EVIL'
U.S. defense officials and military personnel have growing concerns about China and Russia's stronger alliances. This might be their first step to altering the balance of power on the world stage and eventually challenging Western unity. Admiral John Aquilino, commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific, said that the growing relationship between Moscow and Beijing is a vast portion of what he has seen as a dangerous environment in the last 40 years. Putting the two nations as the new axis of evil. The alliance between those two authoritarian politics might put everyone on a different security level. Read next: Meet Axis Sally: The American Traitor and Nazi PropagandistHe added that this is just a countermeasure from the rising axis of evil to combat the nation's partnerships and alliances with other countries. The two cooperating nations are also forging good relationships with Iran and North Korea. These countries have decided to supply weapons for war to Russia during its warfare with Ukraine. These steps from these countries are quite concerning to the whole globe.
The Increasing Worry Surrounding the Axis of Evil
Despite the growing threats, Pentagon officials, on the other hand, have a different take on the issue. They have distinctively characterized Russia and China's moves. Beijing and its increasing military power are challenging, while Russia and its moves are a threat. However, Admiral Aquilino has a different take, describing the connections of Iran, China, North Korea, and Russia as a growing "axis of evil." Thus, acting accordingly is a must.In support of this view, Ely Ratner, the assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs, stated that developments in the Indo-Pacific and Europe are increasingly connected. He mentioned to lawmakers that it is essential to determine until a certain level of standing with Ukraine will help bolster deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. These kinds of violence have consequences and costs, and the free world would unite. The theory of Aquilino and Ratner has similar warnings from the top U.S. intelligence officials from this axis of evil. Russia's warfare with Ukraine has helped embolden China's leadership, although Moscow's real goals still need to be accomplished. In a statement, Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence, mentioned that earlier this month, Beijing was able to get a lot of benefits from Moscow in exchange for its support for its war in Ukraine.Further, CIA Director William Burns joined in, saying if Russia succeeds, it will stroke the ambitions of Chinese leaders. This is especially regarding contingencies ranging from the South China Sea to Taiwan.Suggested read:How Many Nukes Does China Have and How Did We Get Here?
What Are China's Next Moves?
There are concerns about China's next moves, as Beijing's focus is always on Taiwan. This axis of evil would always want to assimilate Taiwan without a war. They are doing everything to attempt to get the Taiwanese to comply. China is always aggressive in its moves, as it has deployed ships, crossing the entry line with its air assets.Further, Chinese aggression is being seen in its rising conflict around the Philippines. As the attacks are now ramming Philippine ships, the vessels that are attempting to support Philippine sailors are alarming. But, in recent years, China has accused the U.S. of hyping everything.
Axis of Evil and Its Implications for Global Security
On Wednesday, some military officials expressed their concerns with the rising axis of evil, namely the alliances of Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea that have emboldened Kim Jung Un. Paul LaCamera, general commander of U.S. Forces-Korea, said that "the DPRK is not just reacting to our activities but also mirroring them.” LaCamera also added that Kim Jung Un has the chance to test his technology on the battlefield. This is with the help of Russia and his missiles and other artillery.Read next: Can You Sue the Military?
Image Source: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan