Why China will intervene in Iraq

China has consistently maintained its core principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries for over six decades, and it continues this policy toward Iraq during its ongoing battle against the Islamic State In Iraq and Syria (ISIS).  Although Beijing maintains this strong position of non-intervention, over the past several decades its sharp economic rise and growing middle class, together with its need to secure natural resources, represent markers for potential deviation from this longstanding approach.

China’s national security law gives PLA mission to protect overseas interests

China’s military is expected to expand its offshore presence with the passage yesterday of a wide-ranging new national security law that highlights the country’s need to protect its “overseas interests”.

Besides underscoring the need to protect national territorial sovereignty and integrity, the law passed by the National People’s Congress says it is the military’s duty to defend these overseas interests, through military action if necessary.

This is in addition to the People’s Liberation Army’s responsibilities in peacekeeping, international rescue operations and escort missions.

China Deploys Surveillance Ships to Waters off Hawaii

China has started deploying maritime surveillance vessels to the waters off the coast of Hawaii, according to reports by the Nihon Keisha Shimbun. The Tokyo-based publication says the provocative Chinese move is a countermeasure against United States activities in the South China Sea.