Mutual respect backs Asia-Pacific peace
China has successfully tested Starry Sky 2, a hypersonic aircraft which can fly six times the speed of sound, making it the third country to acquire the technology after the US and Russia.
According to a CNBC report, Air Force Gen. John Hyten, commander of the US Strategic Command, warned that Russia and China were not “our friends” as Moscow and Beijing sprint to develop hypersonic weapons, a threat the United States currently cannot defend against. His remarks are undiplomatic.
Western media outlets are closely watching how the test may be used by China in hypersonic weapons development. They cited military experts saying that hypersonic weapons can penetrate all current missile defense systems and carry nuclear warheads, forming a strategic deterrence.
CNN claimed the success of the test is “a big step forward in aerospace technology that could intensify pressure on the US military.” It is reported that the US has been testing hypersonic aircraft for a long time.
Washington shouldn’t feel anxious about China’s development of hypersonic aircraft. Washington’s anxiety may result in serious consequences for international politics. Other countries may also have a certain technology that can have a military use. Washington has no reason to worry.
The development of hypersonic aircraft in the US is a few years ahead of China and the Pentagon leads in this respect. The US military’s absolute advantage is not threatened, even facing China’s growing strength. The US should be confident about its national security.
The motivation of China developing hypersonic aircraft is not to threaten US national security or challenge its global hegemony. China needs to boost its own deterrence to curb other major powers’ impulses to suppress China.
The US is stronger than China militarily, which partly underpins US-China relations. However, China’s deterrent has promoted a strategic balance in the Western Pacific as well as peace and democracy in the Asia-Pacific. It reminds people that hegemony should have its border.
China builds its power and stays sober, and always shows modesty and dignity when facing the US. Beijing is clearly aware that it should cooperate with Washington. Simultaneously we should defend our own interests and say “no” to unreasonable demands even under pressure.
That’s how most Chinese people understand the game with Washington, and it’s also the actual pattern. The US has strategic advantages while China has enough strength to stick to its core interests. Both countries respect that and maintain a stable relationship.
Washington shouldn’t unrealistically insist on maintaining the military gap between the two countries. Otherwise it will exhaust itself. China should respect the US advantage and avoid initiating a rivalry of strength or military games.
China will have more military achievements with its technological development. But China will never take the path of militarism.
China’s military development won’t change its defense strategy. Washington outmuscles Beijing in military strength and it will lead for a long time. Mutual respect between China and the US may be the cornerstone of a peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific.