China's Military Buildup
China's Quest for a Superpower Military, a Heritage Foundation article, covers a much neglected topic on the world scene.
"As the Chinese aphorism goes, "listen to what they say, but observe what they do," and what Beijing is saying is quite different from what it is doing." This article quote nicely frames the issue of China's military buildup; for though words may mask intent, actions reveal it. The revealing action takes the form of an announced 17.8 per cent increase in China's military budget in 2007. This amounts to a 45 billion dollar expenditure- significant by any standards.
Details of the buildup are available in the linked article. It may have the unfortunate effect of encouraging an arms race in Asia and moving Japan to reconsider some basic tenets of its post World War II policies. This article quote is ominous:
"The Asian perception that the United States is a Pacific power in decline may prove prescient, even though America's leaders may not see themselves presiding over America's retreat. However, China is clearly emerging as the preeminent power in the Asia–Pacific region."
"As the Chinese aphorism goes, "listen to what they say, but observe what they do," and what Beijing is saying is quite different from what it is doing." This article quote nicely frames the issue of China's military buildup; for though words may mask intent, actions reveal it. The revealing action takes the form of an announced 17.8 per cent increase in China's military budget in 2007. This amounts to a 45 billion dollar expenditure- significant by any standards.
Details of the buildup are available in the linked article. It may have the unfortunate effect of encouraging an arms race in Asia and moving Japan to reconsider some basic tenets of its post World War II policies. This article quote is ominous:
"The Asian perception that the United States is a Pacific power in decline may prove prescient, even though America's leaders may not see themselves presiding over America's retreat. However, China is clearly emerging as the preeminent power in the Asia–Pacific region."
posted by Paul at 8:17 PM
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