Yes, a person who names himself after a piece of farming machinery would indeed think that sea routes aren't important. After all, it isn't as if China is the world's largest exporter (the vast majority of which is conducted by sea) or anything....Oh wait.
Tractor, you're brilliant in thinking that China should neglect its navy. The Qing dynasty also thought this way. And that's why China won not one but two Opium wars. Oh wait, that didn't happen either.
Anyways, I'm certainly glad Chinese leaders are more farsighted than a farming tractor. It seems they disagree and are readily expanding the PLAN, which is the right thing to do.