Yutu won't ease national security pressure

Source:Global Times Published: 2013-12-18 0:38:01

Photo taken on Dec. 14, 2013 shows the lunar probe Chang'e-3 on the screen of the Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China. China's lunar probe Chang'e-3, with the country's first moon rover onboard, landed on the moon on Saturday night, marking the first time that China has sent a spacecraft to soft land on the surface of an extraterrestrial body. (Xinhua/Li Xin)


 
The enthusiasm about the moon-landing of Chang'e-3 lunar rover has gradually faded away in the Chinese media. Such an achievement is now viewed as normal by the public. This, to some extent, shows the confidence of Chinese society and that the public has a higher expectation from their country.

China has no intention to compete with anybody in lunar exploration. The project suits China's own development plans and rhythm. But not all are in agreement, as some countries feel pressured by China's lunar projects. Many see China's rise as bringing competition.

Today's China can easily be characterized as "ambitious." China's GDP is equal to those of Germany, France and the UK. Moreover, its defense budget is the world's second. China is also building its own aircraft carriers and developing fighter jets.

Now it has sent the Yutu lunar rover successfully. It is quite likely that this achievement of China will cause security concerns from countries such as the US and Japan.

Some outside forces view China with a doubtful eye. It is impractical for China to explain itself clearly to the world.

Defensive measures against China adopted by countries in the Asia-Pacific region will constantly be raised. Japan has just approved an aggressive defense policy package. If one believes the strategy simply focuses on the Diaoyu Islands, he would be too naïve.

A country would be silly to adopt military means to menace another which has sent lunar rovers.

Days ago, two American B-52 bombers flew over China's Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea, albeit carrying no weapons. The US deliberately made its action firm in a "graceful" way.

The US is facing the challenges of strategic competition with China, yet its leverage on China has become lessened.

But the US and its Western allies can still influence some Chinese people through their thoughts and values. On China's social networks, there have been pro-US voices which mock China's patriotism. It is unknown if such diversity will lead to a more active and prosperous society or anything else.

The world's second biggest powers in the geopolitical sense in the last century ended up with tragedies. China is in this position now and it is not immune to this fate.

China has been attached with the world's conflicts, ambitions of all major powers and the hegemonic power's wish to maintain the status quo. Its various domestic problems also add more messes to the whole situation. Nothing less than solidarity is integral to China in the future.



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