The Chinese military buildup, in particular its emphasis on the naval assets, is aimed at changing the balance of power in the Western Pacific, a top American commander has told lawmakers.
“I would agree,” Admiral Samuel locklear, Commander of the US Pacific Command (PACOM) told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.
“Their maritime strategy is pretty clear.... And they have certainly tailored their defence spending heavily in the maritime domain. And so it is an incremental strategy ... But my sense is that they look at their strategy, and they look at the current status and — South China Sea, and I think they believe they’re on their strategy,” locklear said.
He also conceded the opinion that recent Chinese actions have been provocative and in many cases an attempt to change the status quo. During the hearing, senators expressed concern over the Chinese military buildup and the impact that it would have on the US influence in the region.