Dark and depressing yes? Perhaps now you'll know where Kai gets it from
. But I feel it is an appropriate response. When transgression, perceive or not, arise, what good is an application of violence in response? And yet this is what we see. In response to a defensive weapon no less? What harm is done through protecting one from a threat, in this case North Korea and not China, that encourages such a destructive suggestion as increasing one's own defenses.
Perhaps you needent answer that, the Cold War is rife with examples of such phenomenon, but haven't we learned from our mistakes? Must we repeat them further?
A detriment to South Korea yes, but a boon to the United States. Any increased actions in South Korea that can pull Russian assets and forces towards the East is good new for US troops in Europe, it lessens their obligations.
As for China, I understand your concerns, that military planners do take them into account as well. We have our own concerns and each side must learn to act and react to one another without pushing the envelope too much in either direction.