Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in this still image from video taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft and provided by the United States Navy on May 21, 2015.
Michael Holtz, CSM: China plans blunt move into 'open seas,' warns foreign powers not to meddle
In a new strategy unveiled today, the South China Sea continues to be a potential flashpoint for China and its neighbors, and between Washington and Beijing.
China outlined on Tuesday a strategy to expand the reach of its military, as it continues to press its territorial claims in the South China Sea. The strategy came amid a series of louder warnings to the United States to divert its military presence in the area.
The Chinese Navy will shift its focus to "open seas protection" rather than "offshore waters defense" alone, according to a policy document issued by the State Council, China’s government cabinet. Meanwhile, China's air force will shift its focus from territorial air defense to "both defense and offense.”
The new plan threatens to escalate tensions in a region already closely watching the extent of Beijing’s maritime ambitions. The State Council criticized neighboring countries that take “proactive actions” on reefs and islands claimed by China.
WNU Editor: This Chinese plan and strategy has been in the works for a long time .... and what China is going to do next is even more predictable. As soon as a major airport in one of these "reclaimed" islands is operational, China will announce an air defense zone .... and they will enforce it. They will confront all aircraft .... and they will be aggressive about it. And while the western media focus is on U.S. - China positions in this dispute .... China sees the U.S. as a distant threat .... it is their neighbors and what they may do that concerns China. But it still serves China's interest to push back against the U.S. .... hence these new warnings .... Xi may cancel US visit in event of South China Sea incident (WantChinaTimes).