The Dragon Stirs

Everybody knew it would happen -- sooner or later. A least I think everybody knew it. It’s a bit off topic for me (too much time spent reading James Fallows) but it’s the first time I’m seen it written about so plainly. Via The New York Times:

Chinese Military Seeks to Extend Its Naval Power

”China calls the new strategy “far sea defense,” and the speed with which it is building long-range capabilities has surprised foreign military officials.“

Of course they do. It’s just one of those things for me. I’m always amused at “Department of Defense”. I’d prefer the original “Department of War”. Call it a preference for truth in advertising. Anyway, back to the article:

”In late March, Adm. Robert F. Willard, the leader of the United States Pacific Command, said in Congressional testimony that recent Chinese military developments were “pretty dramatic.” China has tested long-range ballistic missiles that could be used against aircraft carriers, he said. After years of denials, Chinese officials have confirmed that they intend to deploy an aircraft carrier group within a few years.

China is also developing a sophisticated submarine fleet that could try to prevent foreign naval vessels from entering its strategic waters if a conflict erupted in the region, said Admiral Willard and military analysts.“

As the saying goes, “Nature abhors a vacuum.” It looks like China will fill it. Japan seems to think so too. I wonder, who will build all the airplanes to fill those carriers?

Don Brown
April 24, 2010