Artless strategy

Re: "Air force insists on jet cash", (BP, Aug 1).

The RTAF insists we include two F-35A fighters as part of replacing three decommissioned fleets.

Yes, "If you want peace, prepare for war" (Latin adage) -- but who should we prepare to fight? As Sun Tzu said in The Art of War, "Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing." Who would we be facing? Our forces should be arrayed in relation to those opposing us.

What is our long-term defence strategy? All of our major military purchases should fit into that strategy -- but do we have one, or are we again muddling through?

I suggest that over the next decade our most likely flashpoint of armed conflict will not be with our adjacent neighbours, like Myanmar or Malaysia, but with southern terrorists and smugglers, including human traffickers. If so, F-35As may not be as effective as slower-flying aircraft and drones.

In the region, the most dangerous flashpoint is the conflict between China and Taiwan. If push comes to shove, who will we stand with: China or Taiwan? If the former, why buy US arms, as the US will side with Taiwan? If the latter, why are we buying Chinese subs?

First things first, RTAF. Who are we preparing to fight?

Burin Kantabutra
Harm's way

Re: "Kyiv 'puts civilians in danger'", (BP, Aug 6).

I fully agree with Amnesty International's accusations that the Ukrainian army is using the civilian population as a shield by stationing its troops in populated areas. No wonder the Russians are targeting the army, not civilians, who are then "collateral damage".

While the Russian army has gone so far as to occupy nuclear power plants, it is blatantly obvious the Ukrainians are abusing their own population. A barbaric endeavour indeed.

When a Ukrainian regiment was stationed in the Azov steel plant, somehow there were over 2,000 civilians in there with them.

How and why? Therefore, ask yourself: How did civilians, including children, end up in an industrial plant, which is dangerous even without any troops being stationed in there?

Let's remind ourselves that Zelensky is no saint, and that Ukraine is one of the most corrupt states in Europe, which will be the biggest obstacle for it to join the EU and Nato. How will Ukraine ever pay back the countless billions spent on its war effort?

Miro King
Econ warriors

Re: "Cherry picking", (Letters, July 30).

Who is Steve Davis? He has recently written a few letters responding to what the economist Chartchai Parasuk has written in this newspaper.

I must admit that half of the time I don't really understand what Mr Davis is talking about; nonetheless, his economic analysis of things seems quite strong. Perhaps it would be possible to get him as a contributor to your newspaper.

However, if he keeps replying to Mr Parasuk's articles, eventually your writer is going to reply to him, and I have no doubt who would win the argument.

Paul
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