Improving military ties
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China's development is viewed by the US as a potential challenge to its dominant role in the Asia-Pacific region and many Chinese view Washington's shift of military focus from the Atlantic to the Pacific and strengthening of military alliances with Asian allies as Washington's strategic attempts to contain China.
Under these circumstances, military ties between the two countries have become a "zero-sum" game in the absence of mutual political trust.
To create a harmonious external environment for its peaceful development, the Chinese government and its military have voiced their intention to develop normal military ties with the US.
To promote good military interactions, China and the US should discard their rivalry, set up a more open communication mechanism and try to improve their military transparency.
It is China's consistent stance that it adheres to a defensive military strategy. The US should realize that any forms of blockades, sanctions and containment will only push bilateral military ties in the wrong direction. China has no intention of challenging the US' core interests or pursuing a regional or global hegemony even after it becomes more powerful.
China's economic development and its military buildup will unavoidably expand the scope of its military activities, increasing the possibility of accidental military conflicts with the US. Under these circumstances, the two countries should strictly abide by international navigation and flying rules and try to prevent any provocative actions.
The establishment of an open communication mechanism will enhance mutual trust and help avoid military accidents. To help their established dialogue and consultation channels at various levels play a better role in this regard, China and the US should respect each other's core interests.
For the US' part, it should refrain from arms sales to Taiwan to prevent the most sensitive issue from negatively affecting its ties with China and sabotaging the political foundation of bilateral strategic military communication.
The two countries should also try to make their strategic intentions crystal clear to one another, so that they pursue cooperation instead of confrontation.
China has made efforts to improve its military transparency over recent years. The country regularly publishes its national defense white paper and has opened its Ministry of Defense website to the outside. It has also granted foreign military personnel access to many of its new military facilities. The greater transparency and openness of China's military should help reduce outside misgivings.
The author is a rear admiral and former head of strategic studies at the People's Liberation Army's National Defense University.
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