In the context of a recent article in The Australian that China was being invited to America's biggest annual Pacific naval exercise, RIMPAC (which wasn't really news), it is useful to be reminded of the climate of wariness and mistrust in which such invitations are extended.
The U.S. trade publication Defense News last week posted a video on its blog from a U.S. Naval Institute conference featuring an extraordinarily blunt assessment of China's maritime strategy and ambitions from U.S. Navy Captain James Fanell, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Information Operations for U.S. Pacific Fleet. The moderator describes Fanell as the "top intelligence officer" in the Pacific Fleet, which means he is likely advising some of the U.S. military's senior decision-makers on China's military strategy and capability.
Fanell's language is, well, bracing. He calls China "hegemonic" and says it displays "aggression"; he claims China "bullies adversaries" and that it has become a "mistrusted principal threat." Watch Captain Fanell's presentation from about 21 minutes into the above video.
Sam Roggeveen is editor for the Lowy Interpreter, where an edited form of this piece first appeared.
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Wildforestlad
When will China exercise its historical claim on Macau?… lol… even Portugal could roll China, now that would be amusing to see? If China has the muscle to take on Portugal and engage NATO over ownership of Macau….how hilarious.
John
I think that there are parts of this that are revealing. I like that fact that the panel welcome a Chinese naval presence that would help patrol the global commons. What they seem to worry about is a doctrine, strategy, and weapons system that is oriented towards control. In a sense, the actions of the PLA has created the mindset of the panel. I remember when conversations like this were frowned upon in Washington. It seems Chinese maritime behavior post 2008 have moved everyone more into a Hawkish frame of mind…
Kim’s Uncle
I don’t think china should be clamor ing for war since they have so much problem internally. The CCP should worry about their peasants! China is really the Frankenstein’ monster if the 21st century!
vic
In the meantime, millions of millions of peasant are becoming urban dwellers annually.
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JohnX
I have read three books this week about World War 2. I have just about finished the book "With the old Breeds by E.B Sledge".
I have to wonder if the reason that many of us (West) citizens who are the relatives of those who fought WW2 are anti war is because we know what it really means. Whether the reason Chinese and pro China posters want a war is because they never learnt what war really means. (They never fought one)
The UN troops were probably sick of war in Korea by the time China invaded Korea. Though, Chinese troops were involved long before the UN tropps reached the Yalu. (Watch some historical films about the Korea war, its rather interesting)
The US has fought battles and conflicts, but a WW2 war has not been seen in 70 years. No one should promote war or take actions that would lead to one.
Though according to John Chan the ICJ will be trialing me soon, so no one can blame me for starting the one between Japan and china.
TimTim
To say China’s aggressive stance is due to the fact it has never fought a war is pure nonsense. China engaged in numerous wars throughout its history – too many to mention them all here. What was Japan’s invasion of China during WW2 if not a war? Do you think the Japanese forces were welcomed in with open arms. Heard of Nanjing? The Chinese know the horrors of war as well as any nation! Whether they have learnt from that experience is another question. Few countries seem to have…
JohnX
The Chinese who fought in WW2 were ROC mainly. Those who survived that and switched sides were sent to die in Korea.
How many of the people in China today have spoken too or listened to someone who fought in either of those wars?
Kim’s Uncle
Pretty insightful to hear about the reality of what's going on in Asian waters and it sure does notlook good for China. All China does is to rally and unified all the countries around her because China cannot behave herself. This is the 21st Century but her mind is in the 19th Century. China is always 2 centuries.
Exprsevue
PTSD ?
Nguyen
Captain Fanell's assessment is hardly blunt. If anything, he is very measured in what he said. If the truth about all of China's activities were to come out, he would have to be a lot more pessimistic. I think for political reason he restrained himself.
vic
The fact remains, the American navy is not in its home waters. They are overstaying their presence – that is the real problem.
a_canadian_observer
The fact remains, the US presence in the reagion is welcomed by all countries except china. The chinese military presence is NOT welcomed.
CLJF
Hear, hear!!
MAJ LOWEN GIL MARQUEZ, PHIL ARMY
The presence of US armed Forces in the high seas on international and locl waters will create an environment of cooperation, security and peace to both the US and host country, it is deterent to the communist country…