In order to counter Chinese aggression against their ships, planes, and territorial rights, these countries must bear the brunt of the responsibility.
Commentary
The actions of the Chinese regime in the South China Sea and other nearby waters highlight the urgent need for countries facing Chinese aggression to increase their defense spending as a percentage of GDP, similar to the levels of the United States at around 3.4 percent.
Recent maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the South China Sea did little to deter China’s harassment. Despite the joint drills, Chinese ships and helicopters continued to harass Philippine vessels, showcasing the ongoing aggression.
The harassment by China’s navy, coast guard, and maritime militia is not limited to the South China Sea but extends to other neighboring seas like the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and areas near Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and other islands.
Countries like Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and even the United States are regular targets of China’s aggressive tactics, with China deploying numerous ships and boats to intimidate and harass.
Despite international pushback and legal rulings against China’s actions, the regime continues its aggressive behavior, including dangerous maneuvers like ship ramming, laser incidents, water cannon use, and physical assaults on ship crews.
China’s tactics have allowed it to establish illegal island bases in the South China Sea and secure favorable agreements with neighboring countries, potentially as a result of intimidation tactics.
Strategic alliances like the Quad alliance and the American-Japanese-Korean Trilateral security pact have formed in response to China’s actions to uphold a rules-based maritime order and oppose unlawful maritime claims in the region.
It is evident that being allied with the United States may not be sufficient to deter Chinese harassment, as China continues to assert its dominance in the region through aggressive tactics and military buildup.
China’s advancements in satellite technology have further strengthened its position in the Indo-Pacific, making it a formidable player in the region. While China aims to avoid direct conflict with the United States, it shows no signs of halting its campaign of intimidation against neighboring nations.
We affirm our support for the global maritime order, which includes upholding the freedoms of navigation and overflight based on international law, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
It is crucial for both alliances to have the United States as a significant contributor. However, it is also important for member nations whose security is threatened by China to increase their defense spending as a percentage of GDP. This will enable them to enhance their military capabilities and better deter Chinese aggression.
Even with the increased contributions from other countries, the United States is likely to remain the largest contributor. Nevertheless, other nations will play a more substantial role than before.
After 80 years since the end of World War II, and with the United States facing a $36 trillion debt, it is no longer sustainable for the US to bear the majority of the military burden for global security challenges.
Opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and may not reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
