(Chiang Kai-shek Tomb Guard, Taipei, Taiwan 1981)

It is a sunny Monday to start things after the conclusion of Holy celebrations for three major faiths. Easter was great here, with a joyous family brunch across Route 50 under cloudless skies. By the time we were able to focus again, word was spreading from across the Pacific about military movements. Big China put on a demonstration of resolve in the waters around the island. It included dozens of ships and aircraft that crossed the median line of control in the Taiwan Strait.

It was described by Chinese state media as “an encirclement.” It was part of the cognitive-kinetic offensive that has gone on since we were kids alarmed about the status of Quemoy and Matsu, remember? It seemed to be pretty emotional but far away. It seems we are headed for something dramatic in the neighborhood again.

The current situation is in response to a series of diplomatic message-signaling by both parties. The latest is a ramp up in tension derived from a polite visit to Washington by Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-wen. That was described as a “dangerous” trip that required a strong response. In response to the strong response, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said sending US troops to the island was “on the table.”

We are too old for recall should things heat up. Our kids have served and are no longer vulnerable to being called up for duty. This represents a generational change. Next it will be the Grandkids whose lives will placed in the balance. After the energy and commitment devoted to the other invasion, it is possible that our children’s children are at risk in a two-front war to overturn the balance of power that has endured since Mao Tse Tung expelled Chiang Kai-shek and his Nationalists from the Mainland in 1948.

We had a chance to visit Chiang’s tomb in Taipei a few decades ago after living in Japan, and during a break from a 14-month stay in the Republic of Korea. The structure was impressive in scope, but the Taiwanese Trooper who stood guard near the remains of (one of) China’s emperors was equally resolute. If he had grandkids in his future, it will be them standing guard.

We have talked “here” about “there” in the context of ship’s movement and rockets. We are a little unsure we are ready for a two-front conflict with lines 5,000 miles apart. We mentioned that same topic in Taipei. The perspective is a little different when Big China looms just over the horizon.

The trooper we saw that day in Taipei seemed ready when we saw him. We do not know how he is doing today, but we will make a call this afternoon to see how- or “if”- our kids are getting ready. We won’t mention the debt we accidentally piled up on the credit cards they haven’t been issued yet. There should be plenty of time for them to adjust to it. We hope so, anyway, as responsible grandparents. We are mildly thankful it won’t be us who has to deal with it.

Copyright 2023 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com