Asia-Pacific Region Now Competitive, Says Chinese Military Report
The Asia-Pacific region has become a competitive playing field for major countries.
This was highlighted in a Chinese government military report titled “China’s National Defence in the New Era” which was released by the State Council Information Office last Wednesday.
It highlighted policies for China’s national defence.
The report states that as the world economic and strategic center continues to shift towards the Asia-Pacific, the region has become a focus of major country competition, bringing uncertainties to regional security.
It mentioned that efforts by the United States of America to strengthen its Asia-Pacific military alliances through reinforced military deployment and intervention fuelled complexity on security issues in the region. “The deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in the Republic of Korea (ROK) by the US has severely undermined the regional strategic balance and the strategic security interests of regional countries,” the report said.
“In an attempt to circumvent the post-war mechanism, Japan has adjusted its military and security policies and increased input accordingly, thus becoming more outward-looking in its military endeavors.
“Australia continues to strengthen its military alliance with the US and its military engagement in the Asia-Pacific, seeking a bigger role in security affairs.” Overall the report applauded the stability of security situations in the Asia-Pacific region, adding that addressing differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation has become a preferred policy option for regional countries, making the region a stable part of the global landscape.
The report also said China had voluntarily downsized the People’s Liberation Army by more than four million troops in a show of commitment to promoting world peace and kept defence expenditure for the past three decades below two per cent of the Gross Domestic Product. “China has grown from a poor and weak country to be the world’s second largest economy neither by receiving handouts from others nor by engaging in military expansion or colonial plunder,” the report stated
“Instead, it has developed through its people’s hard work and its efforts to maintain peace.
“China is opposed to interference in the internal affairs of others, abuse of the weak by the strong, and any attempt to impose one’s will on others. “China advocates partnerships rather than alliances and does not join any military bloc. It stands against aggression and expansion, and opposes arbitrary use or threat of arms.”
The development of China’s national defence, the report said aimed to meet its rightful security needs and contribute to the growth of the world’s peaceful forces.
“History proves and will continue to prove that China will never follow the beaten track of big powers in seeking hegemony. No matter how it might develop, China will never threaten any other country or seek any sphere of influence,” the report said.
History proves and will continue to prove that China will never follow the beaten track of big powers in seeking hegemony. No matter how it might develop, China will never threaten any other country or seek any sphere of influence.
White Paper Report Chinese Military