Misunderstanding and rethinking China's military intentions

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2011-12-09 (China Military News cited from Global Times) -- President Hu Jintao's speech Tuesday to the Chinese Navy representatives caught the attention of foreign media, which focused on two lines: China must "accelerate the transformation of its navy" and "make extended preparations for military combat."

The instructions Hu gave to the Navy are hardly different to what any country's leader or commander-in-chief may give to his military. That is the routine requirement for any military force, especially those of a developing country.

Any country should look at this from a normal perspective, otherwise they may overinterpret China's military moves.

Most of the misunderstandings towards China's national defense in recent years have been based on an unrealistic presumption, that China's rise should not include the modernization of its military.

The rise of China is a major event for the world. The growing economic power has already brought about anxiety among some players on the world stage, and the concern about a possible "military threat" comes as no surprise.

A PLA Marine in Escort Mission

To alleviate this uneasiness requires efforts from both China and the outside world. It is difficult for either side to adapt to each other, but a sense of security must be mutual.

China's restraint is outstanding compared with the powerful countries of the modern era or in history, but some small countries have been taking an unusually strong stance towards China.

As containment efforts by the US and some! other W estern countries pop up, factors governing security in the Asia-Pacific region begin to meld into each other.

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