Former U.S. Pacific Command Chief Adm. Tim Keating (ret.) reiterated what we’ve been hearing from U.S. defense officials for a while now regarding China: The question isn’t what type of military technology is the Asian giant developing, it’s what will it do with all that firepower?
“We kinda have a pretty good feel for what they’re fielding” in terms of weapons, said Keating during a talk on missile defense at the Heritage Foundation here in Washington. For example, the U.S. has known about weapons like the J-20 stealth jet for a while now, according tot the former admiral.
“It wasn’t a surprise, we knew about it the whole time,” said Keating. “We were hardly surprised by this airplane rolling out.”
The real question is, how does China plan to use new weapons such as stealth jets and aircraft carriers that appear to be designed to project power and counter Western technology?
“What does China really intend to do with their more muscular military posture and undoubtedly increasing military capability?” asked Keating. “When I asked Chinese counterparts [this question], the theme they expressed generally was, we only want to protect that which is ours; fair enough.”
The problem is, China has so far failed to reveal what exactly it means when it says it’s only interested in “protecting that which is ours.”
Keating acknowledged that on the surface, such a statement is legit for any global power that must keep trade and shipping lanes open for it to prosper. However, an anecdote he shared with the audience may provide some insight into what PLA officials are thinking:
I had a conversation while at Pacific Command with a Chinese admiral during one of my visits to China. In this conversation he proposed the following. He said: ‘You know, we, China are going to build aircraft carriers, we’re already doing it. and what we propose is; you take Hawaii-east, from the United States to Hawaii and you keep your carriers and your ships there and take care of everything that happens there. We’ll take Hawaii-west through the Indian Ocean with our aircraft carriers and our ships and anything that happens there, we’ll let you know, but we’ll take care of it. I declined his offer.
He later added, “it’s the intention, what do they want to do with these things beyond ‘that which is ours’?”
It looks like China hopes to be the regional hegemon. What this means for U.S. interests there remains to be seen. How will Beijing react to a U.S. that has no plan of giving up its heavy presence in the region? Will China simply work to keep trade routes open in the region and respond to disasters with its new military might or does it want something more?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
You have a simplistic view of monetary policy. Were China to do what you suggest then the Europeans, Japanese and Koreans would quickly buy those bonds up or watch their own currency values sky rocket. The result would be American exports would become far cheaper and those nations wouldn't be able to compete. This To Clancy understanding of finance I read in these forums is silly.
How long would be the life expectancy of a flight deck worker on a Chinese Air Craft carrier?
Reminds me of the old saying – Not A Chinaman’s Chance.
I keep hearing this all the time. The BIG question I want to ask is “What does the US intend to do with all their massive firepower…” . Why is america building another bomber? Obviously not for defense… Sorry – I just miss something here. Obviously the USA is chosen by God , with a direct line to him and they are allowed but nobody else is… I’m neither US or Chinese – by a long way, but lets see. The USA sends it’s carriers and nuclear subs into China’s backyard (yellow sea) and is pushing it’S weight around big time there. So China must do nothing? Oh please – what did ya mama and papa teach you when the bully hit you in the playground? usch an unreal… untruthful world and so much comes from the so called ‘good guys’ – yo uknow the ones that show what they want t odo with their weapons – destroy Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc, etc… I don’t see China at war anywhere – killing and destroying countries. Oh by the way – include Palistine there – Israel / USA – same thing – you are just as responsible for all the innocent deaths there… Oh well… Keep the lies coming ya all.
USA is not the first or last country to invade or attack another. If had more common sense you'd realize all nearly all countries that can afford it are now in a new arms race. Why? Because this 'war on terrorism' and losing battle against drug smuggling shows how easily it is to infiltrate other countries & make crime. All militaries are are attempting to become stronger to protect their governments. However, the issue in Egypt shows that sometimes military might can be rendered powerless.
As I see it, current technolgoies are spiraling the earth into chaos and dismay. Change is needed. A POSITIVE change.
Typical “joe” comment
A friend of mine visited China several years ago and saw a map of “China”, in this context it is a bit scarey.
China only wants to protect what is theirs according to history.
When my mate asked about the “china” map, his guide pointed out that ANY land that had EVER been claimed by China, was still China. (Vietnam, Korea, parts of Russia, Mongolia, etc etc etc.) Also, ANY country where Chinese people live would also be protected.
Think how much money we could all save if we just left the Chiense army do the fighting for a change.