Set clear bottom line as warning to avoid war

Source:Global Times Published: 2013-1-15 23:48:09

The Chinese media has seen a growing number of discussions about war recently. Due to the intensified Diaoyu Islands dispute, some are worrying the Diaoyu situation will spiral out of control. It's also possible that a military clash will happen in the South China Sea region.

As the US is behind the scenes of most hotspot issues around China, the security situation China faces severe uncertainties.  

China has not been at war for over three decades since the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979. The Chinese economy has rapidly boomed in a peaceful environment. As to how to view war nowadays, the whole society needs to make a thorough reflection.

War is a terrible thing. No matter who is the enemy, any war will bring great shock to Chinese society, risking severe damage to national economy. Therefore, using armed forces is the last resort. 

China has unresolved territorial disputes with some neighboring countries. As China gradually rises to a global strategic power, China's competitors will make use of these disputes to strengthen pressure on China.

They will play games over the brink of war, if China flinches, it will see a series of strategic consequences that damage China's international competitiveness.

But meanwhile, it's notable that no country is willing to wage a war against China. China is a nuclear power, and theoretically it cannot be conquered. Any country that engages war against China will not only face military confrontation, but also a confrontation of will.  

China is the only country not to have been involved in any military clashes since the end of the Cold War among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. It's hard to predict whether the country can steer clear of conflict in the next one or two decades based on international relations theories.

China needs a practical attitude toward war. It should set up a clear bottom line. As long as the provocations don't touch the bottom line, China should restrain itself, otherwise, it should counterattack without hesitation. But an intention to conquer rivals should not be desired either.

Besides, China should not sway from economic development for international competition. The purpose of developing military strength is to guarantee economic development.

China should be clear in those aspects mentioned above. It should neither be afraid of war nor fond of war. Finally, China should continue to enhance its defense capability. It should have enough military power to curb any country's ambition to change the international competitive rules by non-economic means. 



Posted in: Observer

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