Russia Claims China's Navy Strengthens Its Activities in the Pacific to Challenge American Hegemony - http://www.sina.com.cn - February 10, 2012, 16:28, Global Network Weibo, Reference Materials: A formation of Chinese naval ships. According to "The Voice of Russia" on February 7, Chinese naval vessels entered and exited the western Pacific region for military exercises, responding to Tokyo's concerns over the increasing activities of the People's Liberation Army Navy in this area.
According to Japanese mass media reports, a Chinese naval formation consisting of four warships (frigates) passed through the waters between Japan's Okinawa Island and Miyako Island. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has issued a statement regarding this matter, stating that the fleet's mission is to prepare for China's annual routine military exercise. In response to Japan's concerns, Beijing stated that China has the right to freely pass through this sea area. China's leadership believes that this is entirely in accordance with international law and international practice.
However, observers pointed out that China's conduct of these exercises may lead to a deterioration of Sino-Japanese relations due to existing territorial disputes such as floor controversies. A few days ago, Japan protested against China's unilateral announcement of plans to conduct oil exploration on petroleum deposits in the East China Sea. On the other hand, China's Foreign Ministry condemned the Japanese government's plan to unilaterally name a few undetermined islands near the floor.
Recently, Tokyo repeatedly emphasized its concerns about the rapid growth of China's military strength due to lacking an understanding of Beijing's geopolitical demands. In 2011, Japan's Ministry of Defense predicted in its annual defense report that China would attempt regular naval operations in waters near the Japanese archipelago, including the East China Sea, South China Sea, and nearby Pacific waters. Leonid Ivanshov, Director of the Geopolitical Issues Research Institute, told "The Voice of Russia" in an interview that the increasingly frequent actions of the Chinese Navy indeed indicate that China plans to expand its naval activities in the sea areas claimed by Tokyo. This is especially true because the region contains abundant hydrocarbons and fishery resources, and China will rely on military power to support its claims.
On the other hand, the situation is very clear. In recent years, the United States has gradually strengthened its naval forces and activities around China. The U.S. established a military base in Australia and conducted strategic voyages. The U.S. also controls the Malacca Strait, which is crucial for China, and they are trying to befriend India as a foundation to counter China.
To respond to China's demonstration of strength and claim for power in wanting to dominate the Asia-Pacific region (i.e., the western Pacific region), Ivanshov indicated that Beijing repeatedly emphasized its dissatisfaction with Washington's interference in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Recently, Washington has accelerated the enhancement of security ties with countries that pose a threat to China's strategic interests, including India, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore; therefore, this current exercise is not only related to territorial disputes over floors but also represents China's stance towards America's frequent activities in the Pacific region. Over the past two years, the Chinese Navy has conducted nearly 50 military exercises. Beijing views its increasing military activities in the Pacific region as a way to strengthen its influence as a superpower in the region and challenge American hegemony. (By Sen Nian) ★