Media reports reveal that China is extending its military reach ever deeper into the Pacific. China is using its powerful naval fleet to remind nations throughout the region that it is the communist giant of the 21st century. Of particular note is that these ships include aircraft carriers that are challenging to build and operate. Mastering naval aviation is a sign of a competent, professional and well-armed navy.
Military analysts note that these Chinese assets sailed around the continent of Australia earlier this year. The expedition was an unmistakable message to democratic Australia that China will send its fleet where it wants, when it wants, and for whatever purpose it deems appropriate.
The Trump administration recognizes that China's naval maneuvers amount to far more than Beijing demonstrating "freedom of the seas." Rather, China's maneuvers appear deliberately designed to be provocative. They have been intimidating nations including Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia.
China is also using harsh rhetoric to augment its naval strategy. When Trump administration officials expressed concerns over the aggressive actions of China's navy, China's former Ambassador to the Philippines, Liu Jianchao, who is a senior member of the regime, told a forum in Beijing this month that Washington is inciting "confrontation and conflict." In other words, call me out for my aggressive actions and I will accuse you of being the aggressor.
China evidently views its navy as a means of openly intimidating freedom-loving nations throughout the Pacific.
The Trump administration is well aware of China's naval activities. One response has been to strengthen America's military presence among our Pacific allies, hold joint military drills, and add sophisticated defensive weapons to our bases. The U.S. Navy recently conducted a "live fire" test of its defensive weapons in cooperation with Australia.
While our nation's attention is dominated by strategic domestic and international issues that range from the energy independence to Israel's survival, we cannot afford to lose sight of how China is seeking to create a future in which they own the Pacific and all the nations that reside beside it. We ignore that hostile intention at our peril.
Lawrence Kadish serves on the Board of Governors of Gatestone Institute.
