“China is unstoppable.” With this words Xi Jinping commented on the enormous military parade staged today in Beijing, formally to celebrate 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Basically, however, to give a strong signal to the USA and its allies (in short, to the free and democratic West): “We are there and we are in perfect health”. Let’s face it, the monstrous showing off of the military power in Piazza Tiananmen orchestrated by the Chinese leader (occasionally dressed as Mao) and took place in the presence of Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Uno, demonstrates a fact yet not evident to most: a part of the planet, that of totalitarianisms, wants to become an absolute protagonist.
On the other hand, since their birth, regimes have known no other language that is not the ostentation of strength. With a Russia, a China or a North Korea, the primary communication route is and will remain that of the muscles. Diplomacy in case of danger or potential conflict is substantiated only when the powers on the field are feared each other. Precisely for this reason, the effort that Europe and NATO are making thanks to the push of Donald Trump, increasing the funds for military spending, is increasingly necessary.
It is impossible to think of being able to have a say in the current international chessboard and future without having an army that can arouse fear. To put it in this way it seems an almost Spartan logic, it is true. But as we are seeing in Ukraine (clearly hoping for a short resolution and no intervention born on the field) and as perhaps we will see on Taiwan in the near future, Putin and associates do not seem particularly inclined to perform concessions in the name of a religious respect for “diplomacy”.
Aiming this simple dynamics, which recalls the ancient evergreen motto of the “Si View Pacem Para Bellum”, is truly inexplicable to see how still a part of our policy (especially the one that professes itself more progressive and which therefore perhaps even more than others should defend Western rights) is contrary to the increase in military spending. It would be nice to show Giuseppe Conte, to Angelo Bonelli or Nicola Fratoianni the video of the XI parade and ask for some considerations. Thinking if they really still believe that it can be enough to “make us our facts” and hope that a expansionist aims never come to a China.
History teaches us that the changes in front are sudden, that initially peaceful professional powers can then, due to internal socio-economic imbalances, become heinous predatory in the international chessboard. So why let it chance and abandon our military, strategic and technical leadership? Let me be clear, the writer does not think in the least that Russia or China have today the achievement of Europe.
But relying on this principle and stripping of any defense as many in the West suggest, it would mean making exponentially more likely the above scenario. That’s why it is essential to invest in defense, not to have a conquest. Simply to be valid partners, never vassals. And to be credible and fearsome opponents, never an easy land of conquest.
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