To stop shipments of oil legitimately purchased from, let’s say, Iran, would be seen as a blatant act of war. Oil blockades pushed the Japanese to do Pearl Harbor, didn’t they?
Of course, seizing the assets of Chinese owned food companies like Smithfield Farms, (located in the USA) could also be seen seen as an aggressive act.
In any case, food shortages would set a bomb off under the Chinese people.
China needs to take a decision and decide if food is more important than having 100% control over oil or natural gas in the South China Sea.
To stop shipments of oil legitimately purchased from, let’s say, Iran, would be seen as a blatant act of war. Oil blockades pushed the Japanese to do Pearl Harbor, didn’t they?
Of course, seizing the assets of Chinese owned food companies like Smithfield Farms, (located in the USA) could also be seen seen as an aggressive act.
In any case, food shortages would set a bomb off under the Chinese people.
China needs to take a decision and decide if food is more important than having 100% control over oil or natural gas in the South China Sea.