Strong navy needed to steer rise of China in uncertain world
In the wake of the biggest show of sea power and upcoming live-fire exercises, President Xi Jinping has made it clear the nation must be protected and threats confronted
China needs a strong military to protect its national sovereignty and interests. The biggest ever show of naval power and the announcement of upcoming live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait are necessary parts of the evolutionary process.
President Xi Jinping, reviewing the massive parade in the South China Sea off Hainan province, understandably spoke of the urgency of building “a mighty people’s navy”. He is right to want haste; the nation’s rise requires sturdy protection, while it needs to resolutely confront threats.
Much has been said of China’s maritime developments, but not before have the achievements been put on show so forcefully. The 48 ships, including the nation’s only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, and submarines, 76 aircraft and more than 10,000 personnel, were reviewed by Xi from the deck of a destroyer. He called for the creation of a first-class navy and asked the troops to be vigilant, resolutely defend national interests and strive to uphold the peace and stability of the region and world. The drills off Taiwan, to take place on Wednesday, were announced soon afterwards.
Drills are vital to testing equipment, acquiring skills and instilling pride and discipline. The review was preceded by back-to-back exercises in the seas off Hainan, which earlier this week hosted the influential Boao Forum for Asia.