Ambassador Robert Blackwill

but, and so I'm delighted they put it in, but because of the president, they couldn't mention the country that raises these anxieties, that is to say China.

So it's as if, well, let's see, who might that be?

Singapore.

Yeah, right.

So I admire what Secretary Rubio is trying to do.

And it's the most delicate balancing act to go just far enough, but not too far.

It is.

I agree.

I don't believe he himself, for example, ever said we must take sovereign possession of Greenland.

But if the president is suddenly informed that China has started military action against Taiwan,

No.

I think he tries to make his point perhaps often through silence.

then what does he do?

Well, he can try to avoid responsibility as presidents have done and said, well, the Congress has to decide this, not me.

And so good for him for trying and retaining, if he has it, the ear of the president.

But there'll be pressure on him to make a decision.

And the longer he waits, the more likely we won't intervene.

So

he has that time to try to persuade the American people.

I believe, though, with you, that if it were to happen and he were to ask the American people, should I go to war with China, a majority is likely to say no.