First comes the securing of the South China Sea, then comes China’s power projection into the Western Pacific — America’s doorstep.
“China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war” (Image: GETTY )
ONLY war can stop China controlling the South China Sea, where it is currently building up bases on artificial reefs, according to a shocking warning from a top US Admiral.
The assessment was made by Admiral Davidson who currently leads the US Indo-Pacific Command, putting him in charge of US armed forces in the region.
Speaking to the Senate Armed Services Committee he said: “China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the United States.”
His warning echoes similar comments which his predecessor, Admiral Harry Harris, made in February this year.
Admiral Harris told Congress: “China’s impressive military buildup could soon challenge the US across almost every domain.
“If the US does not keep pace the US Indo-Pacific Command will struggle to complete with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on future battlefields.
“China’s intent is crystal clear. We ignore it at our peril.”
China is engaged in an ongoing dispute with the US and Asian countries over control of the South China Sea.
Beijing claims ownership of the whole region, which the US says is largely international waters.
The Chinese claim also overlaps with rival claims from Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
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To strength its position the Chinese military has been creating bases on prominent reefs in the Sea, which it has been enlarging via massive sand dredging operations.
A US surveillance flight over one Chinese base, on Subi Reef, revealed barracks, bunkers and open hangers.
Several of the bases, including the one on Fiery Cross Reef, include military grade runways.
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Former US Rear Admiral Michael McDevitt, now a fellow at the Centre for Naval Analyses, said: “As China’s military power grows relative to the United States, and it will, questions will also grow regarding America’s ability to deter Beijing’s use of force in settling its unresolved territorial issues.”
Full article: Only WAR can stop China in the South China Sea – US Admiral delivers TERRIFYING warning (Express)
Global Geopolitics 