The most important form of capital is educated human capital - it formed the foundation of the Cold War (~300 million highly-educated Soviets and ~300 million highly educated Americans).
China believes this to be true, and thus believes that their demographic advantage is insurmountable by anyone except India.
The most important factor in every country’s foreign policy consideration is not safety but stability/economic growth.
China believes this to be true, and thus believes that their overwhelming advantages in industrial capability will outshine US promises of protection through strength.
How does the collapse of Syria impact Lebanon? Presumably Iran has their hands tied now, but Russia can play a larger role in Latakia and open a new avenue that way?
Surprised the Kurds haven’t taken this opportunity to strike at HTS while they’re in chaos and institute a proper US puppet.