China's rapid military buildup is jeopardizing regional stability. The United States should not only call on China to restrain itself, but also maintain its deterrence by cooperating with allies, including Japan.
The U.S. Defense Department has released its annual report on military and security developments regarding China. It highlights a strategy being advanced by the Chinese military aimed at blocking intervention by U.S. forces in the western Pacific and states that China's target of military modernization is to undermine the regional preeminence of the U.S. forces.
The report says that Chinese expansion of its bomber operational areas is likely China's way of showing it has the capability to conduct airstrikes on such targets as the U.S. forces stationed in Japan. The report also sounds alarm bells over the expansion of the Marine Corps of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, which undertakes landing operations.
In a challenge to the United States, China is increasing its military spending at a pace exceeding its economic growth rate. The overwhelming dominance of U.S. forces, which have supported the peace and prosperity of Asia and the Pacific regions, could be shaken. It can be said that the report reflects a strong sense of alarm in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The U.S. National Security Strategy released late last year showed a recognition of China's attempts to replace the United States in the Indo-Pacific region.
On the basis of lessons learned from the failure of the previous U.S. administration of President Barack Obama, which, emphasizing cooperation with China, could not check China's high-handed maritime advances, there is no mistake that the Trump administration will increase pressure, both on military and economic fronts.
Increase joint pressure
The National Defense Authorization Act, which stipulates a broad outline of the U.S. national defense budget among other things has banned U.S. governmental organizations from using China's leading telecommunications firms. It has also put forth a policy to exclude the Chinese military from the 2018 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) joint exercises, led by the U.S. Navy.
Given that the administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping maintains a stance for the forced unification of Taiwan, a policy of assisting Taiwan to improve its defense capability has also been incorporated. China, opposing such a plan, has been accelerating its maneuvering to isolate Taiwan from the international community.
While continuing its engagement with Taiwan, the United States is required to make efforts to build trust between the U.S. and Chinese military authorities to avoid an unexpected clash.
The U.S. defense budget stands at about 716 billion dollars (about 79 trillion yen), reaching the highest level in nine years. Securing the funds needed to maintain deterrence is essential.
China has been supporting such countries as Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the development of their ports, which are believed to be eventually turned into its own military strongholds. The Xi administration should recognize the present state of affairs: Without the disclosure of its national defense policy, uncertainty over its advancing military buildup is stoking concerns among neighboring countries.
It is vital for the United States and its allies and friends to deal with China's military buildup jointly. That the United States has indicated a policy of investing 300 million dollars in maritime security cooperation and terrorist countermeasures with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is welcomed. Concrete measures should be worked out quickly.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 22, 2018)
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