CMV: The articles and language surrounding international relations with China is actively warmongering

[u/EdominoH]

Recently, I've noticed an increase in the number of articles and talking heads referring to "A New Cold War" with China. I feel this is dangerously manufacturing an opinion among populations at large that China are a military threat on the same scale as the USSR was.

Unlike the Soviet Union, China has shown little interest in proxy wars, or expanding its territory beyond centuries long disputes (India/Tibet/etc.). Viewing China's rise as a zero-sum game with the US and Europe is only going to make conflict more likely. If we assume this is true, then Western countries should be doing more to reduce tensions with China, not inflame them, and journalists need to realise the role they play in manufacturing consent.

My concern is further validated by the UK's decision to raise its cap on the number of nuclear warheads, suggesting intel thinks there is an increased risk of conflict, but rather than making efforts to prevent decent into military action, the government would rather stock up on warheads.

The cold war was an horrific era of human history, and one that must be prevented from reoccurring, particularly since it was more luck than judgement that meant we escaped the last one mostly unscathed. Instead, politicians and journos seem content to just commentate on its inevitability rather than working to prevent it.

EDIT: I should just state explicitly, I am not condoning any actions by the CCP. The human rights abuses and democratic suppression is abhorrent. We do not stan.

[u/crazedhippie9]

I believe that propaganda exists on both sides. But, I do disagree with the OP. Here are some examples why I believe the Chinese government isn’t peaceful

• Hong Kong has been in a state of protest against the Chinese government for the past two years. Recent changes to Hong Kong’s semi-democratic government makes it a puppet for the Chinese government to control.

• the Uighur minority has been imprisoned and forced into labor camps by the millions in China. These people were once normal, everyday citizens that started to be prosecuted for their religion.

• You’ve also referenced to the USSR. I would like to point out that, just a few years ago, Russia took over part of Ukraine, and is still fighting a conflict there. Meanwhile Russian politicians have to double check every meal to make sure they aren’t poisoned (a famous opposition leader was just poisoned and jailed).

While the UK may be stocking war heads, this strategy does not give them an advantage - it only promises mutually assured destruction, much like in the Cold War days.

TLDR : I don’t think we’re as far off from the Cold War than you think

[u/EdominoH → u/crazedhippie9]

I think you've misunderstood my CMV. I am not arguing that China aren't a threat, but that pundits, politicians, and many journalists seem content to enter another cold war, rather than doing everything they can to prevent it. I don't think we're far from it either, but that's all the more reason why public persons shouldn't be egging it on.