Viet
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ha ha ha ...why in 10 years? why not today? you english is really terrible. go back to school or kindergarten, kid.
South China Sea Forum
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initial_d
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The only thing that can stop china agresive behavior is major natural disaster on mainland china ( 7 or 8 reichter scale earth quake that will destroy her economy). But for now i my self stop buying chinese product or stuff that being made in china.
Zero_wing
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Wow racist really man now i know why the Japanese tried to get rid of you kind back in the day
This chincoms are arrogant SOBs pay no attention to their stupidity
ahojunk
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China says it is more than willing to turn the South China Sea into a platform for cooperation.
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Drop fearmongering over South China Sea
2015-04-17 10:26 Xinhua Editor: Gu Liping
Despite China's repeated assertions on upholding peace in the South China Sea, rhetoric about China creating military threat in the region has been ratcheted up.
The most recent example is Philippine President Benigno Aquino's accusation that China's efforts to claim most of the South China Sea should "engender fear for the rest of the world."
Aside from the fact that the claim is groundless, using maritime disputes to peddle fear of China is irresponsible and of no value in settling the disputes. It is fearmongering for the sake of fear.
China's work on some of the Nansha Islands landmasses in the South China Sea falls entirely within its sovereignty.
The root cause of the territorial disputes between the two countries is Philippines' occupation since the 1970s of some of the Nansha Islands. It took them with force.
China's work on the islands mostly serves civil purposes apart from meeting the needs of military defense. China is aiming to provide shelter, aid in navigation, weather forecasts and fishery assistance to ships of various countries passing through the sea.
Moreover, as China embarks on building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR), the trade and infrastructure network that will connect China with Southeast Asian nations, Africa and Europe, it is more than willing to turn the South China Sea into a platform for cooperation.
Running contrary to this vision. the idea of China sealing off shipping lanes or thwarting fishing activities is but ill-intentioned speculation.
Aquino's vague expression that "there was no guarantee that shipping lanes vital to global trade would remain open" suggested he was making assumptions.
Worse, he used the assumptions to support another ungrounded assertion that China's activities should spark fear all around the world.
Touting "China fear" based on assumptions is an audacious move. However, the Philippines is emboldened as it is merely echoing messages coming from the United States.
Just days ago, Barack Obama accused China of using its "sheer size and muscle" to bully smaller claimants such as the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea disputes.
The Philippines has over the years appealed to the sympathy of the international community and military protection from the United States, and created the mirage that China is a bully.
The trick is easy to sell as it caters to the U.S. penchant of hyping fear of China's intentions, particularly in evidence as it worries needlessly over the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Fear will only escalate tension and rivalry. China holds the position that the disputes should be settled through direct negotiation and candid dialogue.
China is moving in this direction, with a meeting earlier this month between Premier Li Keqiang and the chief of the Vietnamese Communist Party establishing consensus on handling the disputes.
.
-----------------------------------
Drop fearmongering over South China Sea
2015-04-17 10:26 Xinhua Editor: Gu Liping
Despite China's repeated assertions on upholding peace in the South China Sea, rhetoric about China creating military threat in the region has been ratcheted up.
The most recent example is Philippine President Benigno Aquino's accusation that China's efforts to claim most of the South China Sea should "engender fear for the rest of the world."
Aside from the fact that the claim is groundless, using maritime disputes to peddle fear of China is irresponsible and of no value in settling the disputes. It is fearmongering for the sake of fear.
China's work on some of the Nansha Islands landmasses in the South China Sea falls entirely within its sovereignty.
The root cause of the territorial disputes between the two countries is Philippines' occupation since the 1970s of some of the Nansha Islands. It took them with force.
China's work on the islands mostly serves civil purposes apart from meeting the needs of military defense. China is aiming to provide shelter, aid in navigation, weather forecasts and fishery assistance to ships of various countries passing through the sea.
Moreover, as China embarks on building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR), the trade and infrastructure network that will connect China with Southeast Asian nations, Africa and Europe, it is more than willing to turn the South China Sea into a platform for cooperation.
Running contrary to this vision. the idea of China sealing off shipping lanes or thwarting fishing activities is but ill-intentioned speculation.
Aquino's vague expression that "there was no guarantee that shipping lanes vital to global trade would remain open" suggested he was making assumptions.
Worse, he used the assumptions to support another ungrounded assertion that China's activities should spark fear all around the world.
Touting "China fear" based on assumptions is an audacious move. However, the Philippines is emboldened as it is merely echoing messages coming from the United States.
Just days ago, Barack Obama accused China of using its "sheer size and muscle" to bully smaller claimants such as the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea disputes.
The Philippines has over the years appealed to the sympathy of the international community and military protection from the United States, and created the mirage that China is a bully.
The trick is easy to sell as it caters to the U.S. penchant of hyping fear of China's intentions, particularly in evidence as it worries needlessly over the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Fear will only escalate tension and rivalry. China holds the position that the disputes should be settled through direct negotiation and candid dialogue.
China is moving in this direction, with a meeting earlier this month between Premier Li Keqiang and the chief of the Vietnamese Communist Party establishing consensus on handling the disputes.
.
Zero_wing
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Yet their action tells differently hypocracy is a Bit@ch
ahojunk
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The Chinese are now complaining.....
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China tells Philippines, Vietnam to cease intrusive action at sea
English.news.cn 2015-04-29 19:02:01
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China told the Philippines and Vietnam on Wednesday to halt all intrusive action on China-owned islands in the South China Sea, following its rejection of concerns voiced by ASEAN.
Some reports said the chairman's statement at the 26th ASEAN Summit, which expressed concern over China's activities on the islands, ignored the large-scale reclamation and military buildup by certain ASEAN members in the South China Sea.
Defending China's building activities, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei on Tuesday said China's construction activities on the Nansha Islands are within the scope of China's sovereignty, which is unimpeachable.
The Philippines and Vietnam are illegally occupying islands and reefs that are part of China's Nansha Islands, where they have built fixed facilities like airports, reclaimed land and even deployed offensive weapons like missiles, Hong told reporters on Wednesday.
"China expresses grave concern and strong opposition to these illegal activities," Hong said, urging relevant countries to "immediately stop all action and words that infringe upon China's sovereignty and interests."
The Philippines has built an airport and dock on Zhongye Dao, Nansha Islands, while constructing tourism facilities there and on another two islands, Mahuan Dao and Feixin Dao, according to Hong.
The Philippines' stranded warship near the Ren'ai Reef has served as a permanent installation since 1999 in an attempt to seize the reef, he said.
Vietnam has undertaken large-scale reclamation work on more than twenty islands and reefs belonging to Nansha Islands, building ports, runways, missile positions, office buildings, camps, hotels and lighthouses, the spokesperson said.
Vietnam has also built a number of houses and helicopter platforms on Wan'an Tan, Xiwei Tan, Lizhun Tan and Aonan Ansha, Hong added.
.
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China tells Philippines, Vietnam to cease intrusive action at sea
English.news.cn 2015-04-29 19:02:01
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China told the Philippines and Vietnam on Wednesday to halt all intrusive action on China-owned islands in the South China Sea, following its rejection of concerns voiced by ASEAN.
Some reports said the chairman's statement at the 26th ASEAN Summit, which expressed concern over China's activities on the islands, ignored the large-scale reclamation and military buildup by certain ASEAN members in the South China Sea.
Defending China's building activities, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei on Tuesday said China's construction activities on the Nansha Islands are within the scope of China's sovereignty, which is unimpeachable.
The Philippines and Vietnam are illegally occupying islands and reefs that are part of China's Nansha Islands, where they have built fixed facilities like airports, reclaimed land and even deployed offensive weapons like missiles, Hong told reporters on Wednesday.
"China expresses grave concern and strong opposition to these illegal activities," Hong said, urging relevant countries to "immediately stop all action and words that infringe upon China's sovereignty and interests."
The Philippines has built an airport and dock on Zhongye Dao, Nansha Islands, while constructing tourism facilities there and on another two islands, Mahuan Dao and Feixin Dao, according to Hong.
The Philippines' stranded warship near the Ren'ai Reef has served as a permanent installation since 1999 in an attempt to seize the reef, he said.
Vietnam has undertaken large-scale reclamation work on more than twenty islands and reefs belonging to Nansha Islands, building ports, runways, missile positions, office buildings, camps, hotels and lighthouses, the spokesperson said.
Vietnam has also built a number of houses and helicopter platforms on Wan'an Tan, Xiwei Tan, Lizhun Tan and Aonan Ansha, Hong added.
.
biendong
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China publicly renovates reefs as world supports Vietnam
VietNamNet Bridge – Regarding the latest move by China, Le Viet Truong, Vice Chair of the National Assembly Committee for Defense and Security, said the analysis of the local and international media of China’s calculations in the East Sea is credible. The evidence shows that China is not only renovating Gac Ma (Johnson) Reef but also the Vanh Khan (Mischief) Reef.
In terms of strategy, Truong said that if both reefs are built up to become military bases, they will work as two outposts, like a pair of pincers to control all activities in the East Sea. Thus, all the rights of nations in the world that are related to this maritime route will be affected.
"China is increasingly unruly and openly expresses the plan of renovating reefs for military purposes. Thus, Vietnam must speak out more strongly," he said.
Commenting on Vietnam's reaction against China’s acts in the East Sea, Truong said: "Vietnam has expressed its stance on the island and marine sovereignty issues based on the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982."
Specifically, each time Vietnam voiced its sentiments, they filed the statements to the UN. This shows the continued expression of Vietnam’s viewpoints.
"I think such an extent is necessary and reasonable. We must base everything on international law to behave properly," said Truong.
On the recent actions of China, Truong said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Vietnam, has to raise their voice promptly to clarify the dangerous nature of China’s action. Vietnam must clearly state that these actions are contrary to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the Sea (DOC) signed between ASEAN and China as well as agreements between the leaders of Vietnam and China.
"This move threatens peace, and the stability and security of the region," he said.
Commenting on the reaction of the international community, Truong said the world has responded to this move and will certainly raise a stronger voice.
Truong said: "Especially those countries with a direct interest here, as the US or the Philippines, have also stated that China had made very dangerous moves, violating the sovereignty and jurisdiction of other countries to the sea and the continental shelf of East Sea. Recently, during his visit to Vietnam, the Russian Prime Minister also expressed his views in this regard."
"For my part, I think that Vietnam needs to take stronger moves," Truong said.
Dat Viet
VietNamNet Bridge – Regarding the latest move by China, Le Viet Truong, Vice Chair of the National Assembly Committee for Defense and Security, said the analysis of the local and international media of China’s calculations in the East Sea is credible. The evidence shows that China is not only renovating Gac Ma (Johnson) Reef but also the Vanh Khan (Mischief) Reef.
In terms of strategy, Truong said that if both reefs are built up to become military bases, they will work as two outposts, like a pair of pincers to control all activities in the East Sea. Thus, all the rights of nations in the world that are related to this maritime route will be affected.
"China is increasingly unruly and openly expresses the plan of renovating reefs for military purposes. Thus, Vietnam must speak out more strongly," he said.
Commenting on Vietnam's reaction against China’s acts in the East Sea, Truong said: "Vietnam has expressed its stance on the island and marine sovereignty issues based on the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982."
Specifically, each time Vietnam voiced its sentiments, they filed the statements to the UN. This shows the continued expression of Vietnam’s viewpoints.
"I think such an extent is necessary and reasonable. We must base everything on international law to behave properly," said Truong.
On the recent actions of China, Truong said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Vietnam, has to raise their voice promptly to clarify the dangerous nature of China’s action. Vietnam must clearly state that these actions are contrary to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the Sea (DOC) signed between ASEAN and China as well as agreements between the leaders of Vietnam and China.
"This move threatens peace, and the stability and security of the region," he said.
Commenting on the reaction of the international community, Truong said the world has responded to this move and will certainly raise a stronger voice.
Truong said: "Especially those countries with a direct interest here, as the US or the Philippines, have also stated that China had made very dangerous moves, violating the sovereignty and jurisdiction of other countries to the sea and the continental shelf of East Sea. Recently, during his visit to Vietnam, the Russian Prime Minister also expressed his views in this regard."
"For my part, I think that Vietnam needs to take stronger moves," Truong said.
Dat Viet
Zero_wing
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Hey d bag they called vietnamise learn to use the proper tags d bag
laugble they are the only ones building islands out everything once again china has lied to the world
The Chinese are now complaining.....
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China tells Philippines, Vietnam to cease intrusive action at sea
English.news.cn 2015-04-29 19:02:01
BEIJING, April 29 (Xinhua) -- China told the Philippines and Vietnam on Wednesday to halt all intrusive action on China-owned islands in the South China Sea, following its rejection of concerns voiced by ASEAN.
Some reports said the chairman's statement at the 26th ASEAN Summit, which expressed concern over China's activities on the islands, ignored the large-scale reclamation and military buildup by certain ASEAN members in the South China Sea.
Defending China's building activities, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei on Tuesday said China's construction activities on the Nansha Islands are within the scope of China's sovereignty, which is unimpeachable.
The Philippines and Vietnam are illegally occupying islands and reefs that are part of China's Nansha Islands, where they have built fixed facilities like airports, reclaimed land and even deployed offensive weapons like missiles, Hong told reporters on Wednesday.
"China expresses grave concern and strong opposition to these illegal activities," Hong said, urging relevant countries to "immediately stop all action and words that infringe upon China's sovereignty and interests."
The Philippines has built an airport and dock on Zhongye Dao, Nansha Islands, while constructing tourism facilities there and on another two islands, Mahuan Dao and Feixin Dao, according to Hong.
The Philippines' stranded warship near the Ren'ai Reef has served as a permanent installation since 1999 in an attempt to seize the reef, he said.
Vietnam has undertaken large-scale reclamation work on more than twenty islands and reefs belonging to Nansha Islands, building ports, runways, missile positions, office buildings, camps, hotels andlighthouses, the spokesperson said.
Vietnam has also built a number of houses and helicopter platforms on Wan'an Tan, Xiwei Tan, Lizhun Tan and Aonan Ansha, Hong added.
.
laugble they are the only ones building islands out everything once again china has lied to the world
Viet
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has anyone pictures of our large-scale land reclamation on 20 islands and reefs?
.
yusheng
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With an accommodation for 130 people, "Coslprospector" can operate in seawater of upto1,500 meters and drill to a depth of 7,600 meters, according to the builder. It can resist winds of upto 117 km per hour.
yesterday，April30, it set out to SCS.
yesterday，April30, it set out to SCS.
ahojunk
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China turns the table and invites the Americans and others to use the civilian facilities in its SCS islands ..... 
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China says U.S. welcome to use civilian facilities in South China Sea
Thu Apr 30, 2015 10:02pm EDT
BEIJING
(Reuters) - The United States and other countries will be welcome to use civilian facilities China is building in the South China Sea for search and rescue and weather forecasting "when conditions are right", China's navy chief has told a senior U.S. officer.
China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas, with overlapping claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Recent satellite images show China has made rapid progress in building an airstrip suitable for military use in the disputed Spratly Islands and may be planning another.
Those moves, along with other reclamations, have caused alarm around the region and in Washington too, with the issue dominating a summit of Southeast Asian leaders this week, to China's displeasure.
In a teleconference with the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert, China's navy chief Wu Shengli said China's building work in the South China Sea would not affect freedom of navigation or overflight.
"Instead, it will improve the ability in these seas of public services like weather forecasting and maritime search and rescue, fulfilling international obligations to maintain the security of international seas," Wu said, according to a Chinese Defence Ministry statement released late on Thursday.
"(We) welcome international organizations, the United States and relevant countries to use these facilities in the future when conditions are right, to have cooperation on humanitarian search and rescue and disaster relief," Wu added.
The statement cited Greenert as saying he hoped China could explain to countries in the region in a timely manner the aim of the building work. It would also be good for maintaining stability and freedom of navigation if other countries could use such facilities for joint humanitarian operations, he said.
Disputes over how to tackle an increasingly assertive stance by China - an ally of several Southeast Asian states - in the strategic South China Sea make the issue the region's biggest potential military flashpoint.
China this week accused Vietnam, the Philippines and others of carrying out their own illegal building work.
While the militaries of China and the United States have worked hard to improve communication and cooperation, there is still deep mistrust. In 2013, a U.S. guided missile cruiser narrowly avoided a collision with a Chinese warship in the South China Sea.
Wu said U.S. surveillance operations were "totally out of step" with efforts to improve their military relations.
.
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China says U.S. welcome to use civilian facilities in South China Sea
Thu Apr 30, 2015 10:02pm EDT
BEIJING
(Reuters) - The United States and other countries will be welcome to use civilian facilities China is building in the South China Sea for search and rescue and weather forecasting "when conditions are right", China's navy chief has told a senior U.S. officer.
China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas, with overlapping claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Recent satellite images show China has made rapid progress in building an airstrip suitable for military use in the disputed Spratly Islands and may be planning another.
Those moves, along with other reclamations, have caused alarm around the region and in Washington too, with the issue dominating a summit of Southeast Asian leaders this week, to China's displeasure.
In a teleconference with the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert, China's navy chief Wu Shengli said China's building work in the South China Sea would not affect freedom of navigation or overflight.
"Instead, it will improve the ability in these seas of public services like weather forecasting and maritime search and rescue, fulfilling international obligations to maintain the security of international seas," Wu said, according to a Chinese Defence Ministry statement released late on Thursday.
"(We) welcome international organizations, the United States and relevant countries to use these facilities in the future when conditions are right, to have cooperation on humanitarian search and rescue and disaster relief," Wu added.
The statement cited Greenert as saying he hoped China could explain to countries in the region in a timely manner the aim of the building work. It would also be good for maintaining stability and freedom of navigation if other countries could use such facilities for joint humanitarian operations, he said.
Disputes over how to tackle an increasingly assertive stance by China - an ally of several Southeast Asian states - in the strategic South China Sea make the issue the region's biggest potential military flashpoint.
China this week accused Vietnam, the Philippines and others of carrying out their own illegal building work.
While the militaries of China and the United States have worked hard to improve communication and cooperation, there is still deep mistrust. In 2013, a U.S. guided missile cruiser narrowly avoided a collision with a Chinese warship in the South China Sea.
Wu said U.S. surveillance operations were "totally out of step" with efforts to improve their military relations.
.
makky lozano
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US rejects China’s offer over disputed islands
WASHINGTON – The United States on Friday swiftly rejected a suggestion by a top Chinese military official that it use Chinese facilities on disputed islands in the South China Sea for international rescue and relief operations.
Beijing has been roundly criticized by the West for construction work on islands in the South China Sea, including the building of an airstrip and other structures.
The Wall Street Journal and other US news organizations, citing a report on the Chinese Defense Ministry website, said Admiral Wu Shengli made the offer to his US counterpart Admiral Jonathan Greenert in a video conference.
Wu said China’s reclamation work on the disputed islands “will not threaten freedom of navigation and overflight” and will enhance the capacity for weather forecasting, maritime search and rescue and other public goods, and help to protect international maritime security, the Journal said, quoting the Chinese defense ministry report.
“We welcome international organizations, the US and relevant countries to use these facilities, when conditions are ripe, to conduct cooperation on humanitarian rescue and disaster relief,” the Chinese admiral was quoted as saying.
State Department acting deputy spokesman Jeff Rathke said Washington was not interested.
“Building facilities on reclaimed land in disputed areas will not contribute to peace and stability in the region,” Rathke told reporters.
“This is true even if, as some Chinese officials have stated, the facilities in question were used for civilian disaster response purposes,” he said.
“If there is a desire to reduce tensions, China could actively reduce them by taking concrete steps to halt land reclamation,” he added.
Beijing should “work with existing multilateral mechanisms for humanitarian and disaster relief,” such as one under the umbrella of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
ASEAN issued a statement Monday at the close of a summit in Malaysia expressing “serious concerns” over China’s land reclamation on reefs whose sovereignty is contested.
Beijing insists it has sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by several other Asian nations.
The construction work has triggered fears of tightening Chinese control over the seaway.
WASHINGTON – The United States on Friday swiftly rejected a suggestion by a top Chinese military official that it use Chinese facilities on disputed islands in the South China Sea for international rescue and relief operations.
Beijing has been roundly criticized by the West for construction work on islands in the South China Sea, including the building of an airstrip and other structures.
The Wall Street Journal and other US news organizations, citing a report on the Chinese Defense Ministry website, said Admiral Wu Shengli made the offer to his US counterpart Admiral Jonathan Greenert in a video conference.
Wu said China’s reclamation work on the disputed islands “will not threaten freedom of navigation and overflight” and will enhance the capacity for weather forecasting, maritime search and rescue and other public goods, and help to protect international maritime security, the Journal said, quoting the Chinese defense ministry report.
“We welcome international organizations, the US and relevant countries to use these facilities, when conditions are ripe, to conduct cooperation on humanitarian rescue and disaster relief,” the Chinese admiral was quoted as saying.
State Department acting deputy spokesman Jeff Rathke said Washington was not interested.
“Building facilities on reclaimed land in disputed areas will not contribute to peace and stability in the region,” Rathke told reporters.
“This is true even if, as some Chinese officials have stated, the facilities in question were used for civilian disaster response purposes,” he said.
“If there is a desire to reduce tensions, China could actively reduce them by taking concrete steps to halt land reclamation,” he added.
Beijing should “work with existing multilateral mechanisms for humanitarian and disaster relief,” such as one under the umbrella of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
ASEAN issued a statement Monday at the close of a summit in Malaysia expressing “serious concerns” over China’s land reclamation on reefs whose sovereignty is contested.
Beijing insists it has sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by several other Asian nations.
The construction work has triggered fears of tightening Chinese control over the seaway.
makky lozano
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Calls to Punish China Grow
Following a year of China’s flagrant and aggressive activities in contested waters, some in Washington are calling for President Obama to cancel China’s invitation to the largest maritime military exercise in the world
Some leaders in Congress and the military want to exclude China, warning about its military buildup in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, which includes a rapid plan to build military-friendly infrastructure on new islands in waters where at least six Asian nations have competing claims.Satellite photos released last month show that in the past year China has built what Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, called a “Great Wall of Sand”: China has created new islands in the South China Sea and begun construction of helipads and anti-aircraft towers.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain told me that China’s actions over the last year call into question the Obama administration’s plan to invite China to the next Rim of the Pacific exercise, scheduled for summer 2016 near Honolulu.
“I would not have invited them this time because of their bad behavior,” said McCain. “In the last number of years they had filled in 60 acres of land around these islands; in the last year they have filled in 600 acres and they are putting in a runway. I don’t think there is any doubt about their territorial ambitions.”
China was officially invited to the RIMPAC exercises in 2014 for the first time, along with 21 other nations including several countries with whom Beijing has maritime territorial disputes, such as Vietnam and the Philippines. China brought a surprise to the last RIMPAC exercise: a surveillance spy ship that was neither expected nor welcomed.
McCain said China’s buildup in the South China Sea could lead to China establishing a new air defense identification zone in the South China Sea -- a de facto declaration of official Chinese airspace, similar to the zone China unilaterally announced in the East China Sea in 2013.
The U.S. opposed that move in 2013, but McCain said the administration needs to do more to deter China from creating a second air defense identification zone.
“That would a de facto assertion that it is Chinese airspace. I don’t think there’s any doubt the Chinese are acting in an aggressive manner,” said McCain. “Our Pacific Fleet commander has issued warning after warning, which have apparently been ignored.”
Inside the U.S. government, there is tension over whether the U.S. should increase cooperation with China to maintain ties, or put more distance between the two militaries. On the side of more robust engagement is the U.S. chief of naval operations, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, who has worked closely with China’s naval chief, Admiral Wu Shengli.
Last year, Greenert proposed to grant a Chinese request to have a U.S. aircraft carrier visit China and open up access for Chinese military officials. In February, McCain wrote to the secretary of Defense, then Chuck Hagel, in opposition to the idea. One month later, Hagel's replacement, Ash Carter, responded to tell McCain the carrier visit would not happen.
“The current regional environment and military balance considerations inform DOD’s engagement calculus, and as you suggest, a U.S. aircraft carrier visit would not support our stated objectives at this time,” Carter wrote.
Since taking up his post, Carter has taken a prominent role in security issues involving Asia. One Congressional aide briefed on the issue said that the Office of the Secretary of Defense told the Navy that it did not want China to be invited to RIMPAC 2016 given recent behavior but that the Navy is insisting on inviting China again. The Navy’s position is supported by the head of U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear, who is pushing more military to military engagement with China.
The White House is said to be open to the idea of disinviting China from RIMPAC and taking a tougher stance toward China’s aggression in the South China Sea, but so far hasn’t been assertive in weighing in on the debate, said one administration official who works on Asia-Pacific issues.
National Security Council Spokesman Patrick Ventrell declined to comment on RIMPAC specifically but said the administration is “working to deepen practical military cooperation on issues such as disaster response and counter-piracy, while at the same time developing and implementing confidence building measures that reduce the risk of accidents or miscalculation.”
Patrick Cronin, the head of the Asia-Pacific Security program at the Center for a New American Security, said the U.S. should be exacting a diplomatic and reputational price for China's bad behavior while increasing cooperation with other countries in the region.
“We are trying to avoid being outmaneuvered by a very active and assertive China,” said Cronin. “When they do things to violate the norms, we have to make sure they don’t benefit.”
But the cost to China should not necessarily include being excluded from RIMPAC, he said: The exercises can advance common goals involving things like maritime law and safety, search and rescue, and humanitarian relief.
“It all depends on what you think RIMPAC should be,” said Cronin. “For us to have China there is important, but that doesn’t mean that China is coming there with good intentions.”
Other experts argue that even if there is no national security risk to inviting China to RIMPAC, China simply does not deserve the privilege of participating.
“They don’t get any secrets at RIMPAC. The bigger issue is their attitude and behavior,” said Michael Auslin, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. “You uphold certain standards and if China doesn’t meet those standards, they haven’t earned another invite back.”
The U.S.-China relationship is delicate, and the decision to punish China should be made with great care. But the Navy’s single-minded focus on engagement and the administration’s overall resistance to calling out China for bad behavior are shortsighted.
Rethinking the quantity and quality of the engagement with China actually might be better for the relationship over the long term. What’s clear is that so far, China is paying no price for its aggression. Until the Obama administration changes that, Beijing will continue to change facts on the ground
Following a year of China’s flagrant and aggressive activities in contested waters, some in Washington are calling for President Obama to cancel China’s invitation to the largest maritime military exercise in the world
Some leaders in Congress and the military want to exclude China, warning about its military buildup in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, which includes a rapid plan to build military-friendly infrastructure on new islands in waters where at least six Asian nations have competing claims.Satellite photos released last month show that in the past year China has built what Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, called a “Great Wall of Sand”: China has created new islands in the South China Sea and begun construction of helipads and anti-aircraft towers.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain told me that China’s actions over the last year call into question the Obama administration’s plan to invite China to the next Rim of the Pacific exercise, scheduled for summer 2016 near Honolulu.
“I would not have invited them this time because of their bad behavior,” said McCain. “In the last number of years they had filled in 60 acres of land around these islands; in the last year they have filled in 600 acres and they are putting in a runway. I don’t think there is any doubt about their territorial ambitions.”
China was officially invited to the RIMPAC exercises in 2014 for the first time, along with 21 other nations including several countries with whom Beijing has maritime territorial disputes, such as Vietnam and the Philippines. China brought a surprise to the last RIMPAC exercise: a surveillance spy ship that was neither expected nor welcomed.
McCain said China’s buildup in the South China Sea could lead to China establishing a new air defense identification zone in the South China Sea -- a de facto declaration of official Chinese airspace, similar to the zone China unilaterally announced in the East China Sea in 2013.
The U.S. opposed that move in 2013, but McCain said the administration needs to do more to deter China from creating a second air defense identification zone.
“That would a de facto assertion that it is Chinese airspace. I don’t think there’s any doubt the Chinese are acting in an aggressive manner,” said McCain. “Our Pacific Fleet commander has issued warning after warning, which have apparently been ignored.”
Inside the U.S. government, there is tension over whether the U.S. should increase cooperation with China to maintain ties, or put more distance between the two militaries. On the side of more robust engagement is the U.S. chief of naval operations, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, who has worked closely with China’s naval chief, Admiral Wu Shengli.
Last year, Greenert proposed to grant a Chinese request to have a U.S. aircraft carrier visit China and open up access for Chinese military officials. In February, McCain wrote to the secretary of Defense, then Chuck Hagel, in opposition to the idea. One month later, Hagel's replacement, Ash Carter, responded to tell McCain the carrier visit would not happen.
“The current regional environment and military balance considerations inform DOD’s engagement calculus, and as you suggest, a U.S. aircraft carrier visit would not support our stated objectives at this time,” Carter wrote.
Since taking up his post, Carter has taken a prominent role in security issues involving Asia. One Congressional aide briefed on the issue said that the Office of the Secretary of Defense told the Navy that it did not want China to be invited to RIMPAC 2016 given recent behavior but that the Navy is insisting on inviting China again. The Navy’s position is supported by the head of U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear, who is pushing more military to military engagement with China.
The White House is said to be open to the idea of disinviting China from RIMPAC and taking a tougher stance toward China’s aggression in the South China Sea, but so far hasn’t been assertive in weighing in on the debate, said one administration official who works on Asia-Pacific issues.
National Security Council Spokesman Patrick Ventrell declined to comment on RIMPAC specifically but said the administration is “working to deepen practical military cooperation on issues such as disaster response and counter-piracy, while at the same time developing and implementing confidence building measures that reduce the risk of accidents or miscalculation.”
Patrick Cronin, the head of the Asia-Pacific Security program at the Center for a New American Security, said the U.S. should be exacting a diplomatic and reputational price for China's bad behavior while increasing cooperation with other countries in the region.
“We are trying to avoid being outmaneuvered by a very active and assertive China,” said Cronin. “When they do things to violate the norms, we have to make sure they don’t benefit.”
But the cost to China should not necessarily include being excluded from RIMPAC, he said: The exercises can advance common goals involving things like maritime law and safety, search and rescue, and humanitarian relief.
“It all depends on what you think RIMPAC should be,” said Cronin. “For us to have China there is important, but that doesn’t mean that China is coming there with good intentions.”
Other experts argue that even if there is no national security risk to inviting China to RIMPAC, China simply does not deserve the privilege of participating.
“They don’t get any secrets at RIMPAC. The bigger issue is their attitude and behavior,” said Michael Auslin, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. “You uphold certain standards and if China doesn’t meet those standards, they haven’t earned another invite back.”
The U.S.-China relationship is delicate, and the decision to punish China should be made with great care. But the Navy’s single-minded focus on engagement and the administration’s overall resistance to calling out China for bad behavior are shortsighted.
Rethinking the quantity and quality of the engagement with China actually might be better for the relationship over the long term. What’s clear is that so far, China is paying no price for its aggression. Until the Obama administration changes that, Beijing will continue to change facts on the ground
