Article Posted on : - Apr 13, 2011

A file photo.

WASHINGTON (PTI): Expressing concern over the increasing military might of China in the Asia Pacific region, a top Pentagon commander and several senators have favoured the demand for more counter-balancing US efforts in the region.

"As China was exerting its influence last year in a very assertive way, we were receiving general appeals across the Asia-Pacific from among our partners with regard to a desire for more US influence in the region," Admiral Robert Willard, Commander, US Pacific Command (PACOM) said.

"Countries in the Asia Pacific region are asking for its influence to counterbalance China as they are being challenged by it," he said.

But he quickly pointed out that the significant growth of the Asian economy has been mainly due to the economic achievements of China.

Senator Carl Levin, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee said that it is important to understand and anticipate the consequences of this Chinese growth on the regional dynamic.

"As China's influence and military grow, traditional alliances and partnerships in the region may come under pressure from a perception that the balance of power is shifting, and certain countries in the region may find it necessary to grow their militaries as well," Levin said.

"Some experts even warn of the potential for an emerging arms race in the region and countries leery of China's intentions for its burgeoning military seek to shore up their own defence," he said.

"Such developments must be studied and understood if informed decision- making is to proceed in a thoughtful, effective way," he said.

"A robust, meaningful and mutually beneficial military-to-military engagement with China's military, although elusive and intermittent, remains a useful goal for the United States," he said.

Senator John McCain expressed concern over China's development of aerial weapons, anti-satellite capabilities, stealth combat aircraft, a growing arsenal of ballistic missiles, offensive cyber-weapons and an aircraft carrier.

"Last year we witnessed Chinese assertiveness that was demonstrated in the South China Sea and in the Senkaku Islands near Japan," Willard said.

"We believe the motive behind that was a declaration by the Chinese regarding their sovereign claims over the contested areas within the South China Sea region and over the Senkakus," he said.

"There was Chinese assertion that foreign military activity within those near seas should only come with their permission," he said.

"There has been a retrenchment, a bit, by the Chinese navy, while we continue to experience their shadowing of some of our ships that are operating in these waters," Willard said.

"We have not seen the same level of assertiveness in 2011 that we witnessed in 2010," he said.

"The retrenchment can be taken as a positive particularly given the fact that we have mil-to-mil relations that have recommenced to a modest extent and perhaps we can make an advancement in that regard," Willard said.

"But I think there's no question regarding their aims to have a great influence over that maritime space and especially over the contested areas that they've laid claim to in both the South China Sea and East China Sea," Willard said.