US' shift in strategy

Updated: 2012-01-09 07:59

(China Daily)

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The Obama administration's new global military strategy has aroused widespread comment and interpretations since it was released on Thursday.

For peace-loving people, the fact that the world's sole superpower is opting for a leaner military might seem good news.

However, its emphasis on investments in cyber and space weaponry as well as in naval and air power is instead cause for grave concern, as it shows its desire for hegemony extends to other domains.

The new defense policy outlined by President Barack Obama and other top US military officials, marks an adjustment of the US' defense structure in an era of austerity and a shift in its strategic priorities.

And despite plans to cut some $487 billion of defense spending over the next 10 years, the United States has made it clear that this country has its eyes firmly focused on the Asia-Pacific region. "We will be strengthening our presence in the Asia Pacific, and budget reductions will not come at the expense of that critical region," Obama announced.

It is more than welcome, so long as it plays a constructive role.

As one of the most dynamic regions in the world, the Asia-Pacific is a unique place where the interests of big and small countries converge, and at times collide. All countries will be happy if Washington endeavors to expand common ground, bridge differences and promote regional cooperation.

Regrettably, however, since the US made its high profile declaration more than a year ago that it would project its power into the Far East, this has not been the case. There is abundant evidence that its interference in regional affairs has only served to estrange neighbors and fuel tensions.

At the same time, there have been dark mutterings among US power brokers that the country should counterbalance China's influence in the region, as many in Washington view China as an opponent other than a competitive partner.

But Washington should stop viewing its relationship with China with such a jaundiced eye.

After all, both countries stand to gain if they turn the Asia-Pacific into a region of cooperation. Both will lose if the US regards it as a wrestling ring in which to contain emerging powers like China. Washington will lose its popularity too when Asian countries come to realize that it intends to be the only fish in the sea.

Announcing the shift in the US' strategic military objectives, Obama said the country will "continue to get rid of outdated Cold War-era systems", it would do better to do away with its entire Cold War mentality.

History proves military intervention is never a solution to the world's problems. It has more often than not escalated tensions, widened divisions and made reconciliation more difficult.

(China Daily 01/09/2012 page8)

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