In a photo released by the Xinhua News AgencyXinhua News Agency, colored smoke marks the launch ceremony for China's third aircraft carrier, christened the Fujian, at a dry dock in Shanghai on June 17. Xinhua is trying to change the regional military balance in an irresponsible and unilateral manner that does not fit its status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Unless it stops its military buildup, China can't claim to be a responsible major power.
China has launched its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. The ship is expected to enter service in 2024 or later after a period of testing sailing and installing the necessary equipment.
A country needs a minimum of three aircraft carriers to ensure that at least one vessel is always in operation due to the training and maintenance times. The Chinese Navy's strategic capabilities are likely to be enhanced by the Fujian.
According to Beijing's announcement, China s new aircraft carrier also features an electromagnetic catapult to hurl aircraft off the ship at high speed, the very latest aircraft launch technology that has only been seen on the new USS Gerald R. Ford. China is catching up with the United States in terms of military technology.
The Chinese Communist Party has set a goal of building the world's leading military by the mid- 21st century. The country is bent on overtaking the United States in military power.
The rapid military expansion of China in the last few years has caused a lot of anxiety and suspicion among neighboring countries.
Even if they are supported by many Chinese citizens, Beijing s efforts to beef up the country's military muscles can cause friction and tension with other countries.
China's military ambitions have been the main destabilizing factor for the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
Since the end of World War II, the international community has been in serious crisis due to Russia's outrageous aggression against Ukraine.
The security of many countries will be fundamentally imperiled if a nuclear power is allowed to use its superior military might to violate another country's sovereignty and territory.
For decades, China has been expanding its economy and boosting its national power under the existing order while promising the world to seek peaceful development. As a country, China should continue to play a role that contributes to maintaining that order.
To our great dismay, however, the Chinese Communist Party has not even criticized Russia's war of aggression while continuing its military buildup as if it was unaware of concerns among neighboring countries.
In a series of drills in the Pacific off the east coast of Taiwan, the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning flew dozens of sorties for days on end in a series of saber-rattling.
A flotilla of warships from the two countries completed a near circle around Japan's main islands in joint Chinese-Russian naval exercises.
There have been reports that China has sought military cooperation from island nations in the South Pacific and is getting involved in Cambodia's plans to expand its naval bases.
Beijing hasn't offered a detailed explanation about these moves.
It is not surprising that the international community is increasingly wary of China's ambitions.
There is no winner in an arms race driven by deepening mutual distrust. If tensions spiral out of control and cause an armed conflict, the upshot will be pure destruction.
Chinese leaders should have a clear and strong recognition of the dangers of their government's provocative behavior.