Sophie. One recalls how the world tried to appease fascist Germany prior to WW11.

It's incredibly naive to believe as you seem to. that the power-hungry would be constrained by words on paper, common decency, civil conventions or the law!

None of these things or practices has held sway over folk with another agenda. Donald Trump, e.g., has lost the Presidency. But refuses to put his big boy pants on/bow to the will of the people like a grown man.

Would sic his dogs/armed loony tunes on non- whites, use every trick in his book to avoid bowing to the clearly expressed will of the people!

If anyone now believes that China will be contained by treaties, convention or the rule of law, they're like you, dreaming.

One of the real lessons of life is the one where you have to stand up to bullies/stand your ground. Otherwise, you'll live the rest of your life on your knees, giving up all that is of value in your life, self-esteem, family and friends.

Sure, speak softly, but carry a big stick. And hope and pray that that stick is big enough that stops those who would try and force an outcome, to stop, consider the inevitable consequences for them if they force you to use it.

Soldiers are the last ones that want to pick a fight, given they're always the ones doing the fighting, the bleeding, dying!

But if it's forced on them by the actions of others, need to have the means to prosecute to the greatest effect!

The big stick for us is, a nuclear capability that is large enough never ever to have to use it to defend life and liberty!

Oblige the intending evil-doers to find a peaceful solution to their alleged grievances!

I see the distribution of truly affordable energy, almost unlimited potable water, reticulated to wherever it's needed as central to the objectives of peace and prosperity for all. The only means that'll actually allow that outcome, is a nuclear-powered one!
Peace and Love, Alan B.

You’ve got SFA chance of that ever happening.

Countries don’t trust each other and never will.
If you try it, they’ll maybe sign a treaty but
Welcome to the world of underground hidden nuclear weapons.

When are the left going to stop thinking they alone,in thousands of years of warfare
can stop it in their short little lifetimes. Grow up, and see things clearly for gods sake
and for your own children and country’s sake.

Hassy, I see you are still sitting in the peanut gallery with the racists and fascists. Do you still wish to use nuclear weapons to launch a pre-emptive attack on 200 million innocent men, women and children in Pakistan? Something you put forward on the Forum, have you forgotten, I haven't, and it something you never retracted. To think you claimed to be flying around in military aircraft, hope they never had bombs attached, what could have happened with a person of your mind set at the controls? You are in good company, you have so many of the like minded on the Forum.

Our signing onto the landmine ban was nuts. Gesture politics at it's worst.
With our landmass and small defense force landmines and even chem weapons should be a must have for defensive purposes.

So Alan B. You didn't have any comment about the international ban on landmines or chemical weapons. Are they also naive?

Ok jamo So you have no problem with the thousands of people (often children) who are killed by remaining land mines around the world. And you support chemical weapons! On both these matters you are entirely at odds with the international community including an overwhelming number of governments. But that's OK. You're entitled to hold extremely unpopular and fringe views.