China-US military ties under strain

There’s been a lot of talk in China about US intentions to curb China’s military growth. Many believe it relates to the changes in the Trump administration’s strategic priorities. In his first year in office, Trump was focused on getting China to rein in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), but now he has taken a tougher line on China. Many say that China’s rising status and its target of building a world-class army has challenged US dominance in many fields.

What's behind the US FONOP?

Confrontations are inevitable, despite the consensus that normal relations can best serve their mutual interests. The increasing tempo of what the US calls freedom of navigation operations is just one of many examples of the rising competition. And it's going to take greater skill for the two sides to deal with their differences and reduce tensions in the future.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin sailed within 12 nautical miles of China-controlled islands and reefs in the South China Sea – the second such venture this year.

“China has sovereignty over the relevant islands in the South China Sea. At the same time, it respects the rights of freedom of navigation under international laws. But some countries are flaunting military might in those areas. Their activities are threatening China’s sovereignty, security, and interests. China will choose to respond and continue to develop its military capabilities, based on how much its interests are threatened and compromised,” said Ren Guoqiang, spokesman of Ministry of National Defense.

Spokesman Ren Guoqiang, Ministry of National Defense.

Does Beijing has a timeline to take over Taiwan?

The determination for the army to achieve reunification has always been strong. In fact, China reserves the right to take Taiwan back by any means. Whether Beijing has a timetable for resuming control of the island has been a hot issue.

Many experts say such a timetable could exist, especially after US authorities unveiled a policy for closer ties with Taiwan. This provocative move could likely hasten the pace of Beijing’s plan.

Last October, in his report to the Party Congress, President Xi Jinping signaled that a reunification of the motherland is a fundamental strategy for a new era. Many say national rejuvenation will be compromised if Taiwan remains outside of the big family.

As Taiwan independence movements are rising, Chinese authorities are stepping up counter measures, but choices are open on how to achieve reunification. There’re competing or even confrontational interests between China and the US over the issue of Taiwan. And a big question is what the US will do if China resorts to the use of force. That’s why we need to keep a close watch on China-US military ties.

The aircraft carrier Liaoning on training. Chinese air and naval forces conducted combat exercises over the South China Sea and western Pacific Ocean.

“We are firmly opposed to any official exchanges or contacts with Taiwan by any country, including the United States. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. We have full confidence that the reunification of China, and the rejuvenation will not be stopped by any individual, any force, or any movement. We are fully capable of achieving that task,” Ren said.

(CGTN)