Donnelly on China's Military

Thomas Donnelly co-chaired a hearing of the congressionally appointed US-China Economic and Security Commission yesterday. He made expressed his concern over China's growing military capability:

With this hearing, the Commission returns to one of its core concerns: assessing the growing military power of the People’s Republic of China, its impact on American interests and, in particular, the increasingly unstable balance across the Taiwan Strait. In its past reports--and I expect again this year--the Commission has well chronicled the rapid, substantial, and intensely focused development of the People’s Liberation Army. While experts and intelligence analysts differ on the details, the undeniable truth is that this trend reflects a long-term commitment by Beijing, pursued through changes in leadership and despite the fact that, as Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has observed, China has no enemies.

Indeed, the Pentagon now regards surging Chinese military strength as one of the emerging strategic realities for the 21st century. The current Quadrennial Defense Review speaks of a variety of challenges, the most profound of which it has dubbed as “disruptive,” implying an ability to alter the post-Soviet international order. Only a rising China possesses the present and potential power to challenge the American peace, either as a leader of a rival “bloc” or, in time, by itself.

This is not simply a challenge to American security and political interests. It is, inevitably, a challenge to American principles of liberty and individual rights. It is also a challenge to our friends and allies who share these universal principles.

As always I look forward to the Commission's report. Our (my) favorite commission member will be co-chairing today's hearings.