Beijing Proves Its Aggressive Intentions

National Review Online ^ | July 26, 2012 | Michael Auslin

[Cincinatus' Wife]

........This week, Beijing set up a new provincial-level city government to administer all its island claims in the South China Sea, as well as administer all the waters in the Sea, and “elected” a mayor for its insta-city of Sansha. The new governing council will represent approximately 1,100 Chinese residents of three island groups, all of which are claimed by multiple countries, including Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, in addition to China.

The real news, however, is that Beijing is also setting up a military garrison on Yongxing Island, which is also claimed by Vietnam. The garrison will serve “self-defense” purposes and carry out military operations, according to Chinese news reports. While it is unclear now how large the garrison will be, it is a game-changing political decision by Beijing. It essentially reveals Beijing’s plan for controlling disputed territory, which was the concern of those of us who feared what the growth of China’s military would mean for how nations acted in Asia. It makes power politics the reality, not just the possibility, in the South China Sea, and it forces smaller nations to decide if they can in any realistic way continue to oppose China’s claims. If accepted by other nations, this week’s moves will signal the beginning of true Chinese hegemony in Asia, and the creation of a new norm of regional politics based on might.

Beijing’s announcement should put enormous pressure on Washington............

[Cincinatus' Wife]

I’m GLAD you’re adding the info!

Nice to meet someone who isn’t under any illusions about the “death of communism.”