Beijing frets over US 'pivot' as defence chief Leon Panetta issues warning
The 'pivot' by the US towards Asia is worrying China, while America fears territorial disputes in the region could explode into open conflict
The United States defence secretary, Leon Panetta, flies to Beijing today for his first visit as military chief after warning that China's territorial disputes with its neighbours could degenerate into conflict.
While China's fears over the scope and intent of the US' strategic "pivot" back to Asia, from the Middle East, are expected to dominate broader talks, Panetta will also wade into Sino-Japanese tensions over the disputed islands in the East China Sea.
Arriving in Tokyo last night for his first stop on a three-nation tour, Panetta said: "I am concerned that when these countries engage in provocations of one kind or another over these various islands, that it raises the possibility that a misjudgment on one side or the other could result in violence, and could result in conflict.
"And that conflict would then have the potential of expanding," he said before appealing for restraint over tensions in the East China and South China seas.
Washington does not take a position on the region's territorial disputes, but it has stated that the Diaoyus, or the Senkakus as called by the Japanese, fall under its security treaty with Tokyo.
While Panetta is keen to deepen and broaden Sino-US military relations, specifically promoting ties among junior officers, Chinese officials led by his host, defence minister General Liang Guanglie, are expected to express growing concerns about Washington's expanding defence relationships beyond China's borders, amid growing fears of containment.