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COMMENT | Colonialism, contrary to what some may believe, did not begin with any decisive bang in history.

The British colonialism, one of the most aggressive forms of colonialism ever witnessed in history, began in an innocent manner.

It started with coal stations being built around the coast of various continents around the world. When local conflicts started sprouting up in Africa, India, Southeast Asia and elsewhere, the British East India Company began calling for intervention and help.

The next thing one knows, British Empire had acquired its form and shape by the middle of 18th century - necessitating London to defend all the coal stations at all costs. The reason? To allow British mercantile interest to reign supreme in world trade.

There is every reason to believe that Chinese colonialism - if and when it gains its final shape - would begin as an "accidental" empire too. Why?

The "One Belt One Road" (Obor) seeks to connect China with more than 62 countries, some as far away as Kenya and Djibouti, with the latter having the facilities to host Chinese naval vessels. In all, China is expected to spend no less than US$5 trillion on all its assets.

With US$3 trillion in the reserves of China, anything one-third or above, would compel China to defend it. If the spending of Obor, in the decades and years to come, do continue to head north, why should China not defend all the US$5 trillion that it is spending?

It is only natural that it does. Otherwise, how would it justify to the people its profligate cheque book diplomacy? It can't. The only way China can defend Obor - instead of relying exclusively on soft power - is indeed hard power...

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