Thursday, August 1, 2013

Beijing's Maritime Build-Up Is Not What It Appears To Be

New recruits of the Chinese Navy at a parade in March (Courtesy Reuters)

China's Unarmed Arms Race -- Christian Le Mière, Council On Foreign Relations

Beijing's Maritime Build-Up Isn't What It Appears

It’s tempting to conclude, on the basis of China’s recent assertiveness in its near seas, that a naval conflict in Asia is inevitable. Indeed, judging from the military procurement programs initiated by some of China’s neighbors in response -- not to mention Washington’s decision to rebalance its military efforts toward Asia as part of its so-called pivot -- that seems to be precisely what the United States and its allies in the region have concluded.

But before blaming Beijing for initiating an arms race, it’s worth taking a closer look at its policies. Anyone who does will discover that China’s assertiveness usually isn’t armed at all.

Read more ....

Update: No, China’s Coast Guard Won’t Reduce Tensions -- James R. Holmes, The Diplomat

My Comment: The Chinese are working on a 10-20-30 year plan. Their assertiveness on the open seas may not be armed .... for now .... but they are working towards becoming the regional naval super-power in the next decade or two .... and they have made it very clear that by then they will be "loaded for bear".

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