Global Times - July 17

Navy exercise tests China's resilience

It is not surprising that a US Defense Department spokesman insisted that Washington did not buckle under Beijing's pressure, and that it was the Pentagon's own decision to reconsider the location and the ships for the Yellow Sea naval exercise with South Korea.

The US continued to play its military card to test China's resilience when it announced Wednesday that Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates would meet their South Korean counterparts on July 21 to finalize details of the drill.

Even after reports that part of the drill may be held in the Sea of Japan, the Pentagon kept silent on whether it would involve the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USGeorge Washington - a potential threat to Beijing if it enters the Yellow Sea connecting China and the Korean Peninsula.

The US claims that the joint drill is to serve as a deterrent against North Korea after the sinking of a South Korean battleship. Yet it clearly knows that launching a war game off the western coast of South Korea will also be considered a hostile move against China.

There is no way Washington can reassure Beijing about its intent if it continues with its plan in the Yellow Sea.

Moreover, Beijing has become increasingly assertive in opposing any military activity near its borders.

As the sole superpower, US battleships and military aircraft have been moving almost freely through open waters and skies across the globe, often trespassing disputed areas such as exclusive economic zones to spy on certain countries. More and more countries, including Russia, Brazil and India, have expressed their strong opposition against "free cruising" of US battleships on their threshold.

China will be less tolerant of similar acts, though in the past the US enjoyed relatively freer passage around Chinese territorial seas. Washington should no longer underestimate Beijing's resolve to challenge US military provocation.

As trade and financial ties between the two countries deepen, China will have much more leverage to launch counter measures. Growing nationalistic sentiment in China will also push the authorities to act tougher.

The drill has created wider awareness of maritime security issues. The Chinese people are now more determined than ever to support a bigger and stronger Chinese PLA navy to prevent any bullying.

The North Korean issue has seen some positive development. After the UN statement condemning the sinking of the South Korean battleship but not naming the culprit, North Korea responded quickly to arrange high-level talks with US military representatives yesterday on the South-North border, and appeared willing to resume the Six- Party Talks.

Diplomacy works better than force. The sooner Washington understands this, the better the chance of the Korean Peninsula retreating from the brink. That will be more conducive to building trust between China and the US.

Source : http://opinion.globaltimes.cn/editorial/2010-07/552744.html