The
statement from Chinas president, Hu Jintao, that China seeks "to be a
maritime power" is very much in line with my blog-post a couple of weeks
ago about maritime security being a strategic asset of its own.
The fact
that the international seas (together with internet, space and international
airspace) are by the US classified as one of the four important Global commons central
for the future of modern living is of course also noted by China. The global
commons are at least as important to Chinas as to the US.
Chinas
drive to strengthen their navy is not a new concept. But this most recent
statement from President Hu Jintao, speaking before the Communist Party
Congress, is as I understand it the first time an official at the top has
spoken so clearly about a bigger sea presence.
I
personally also think that the last years anti piracy activity in the Bay of
Aden and on the Indian Ocean have showed the Chinese leadership that it is
possible to play an important role on the high seas under the flag of peaceful intentions.
This will give China access to information about sea transport and other
activity at sea that can help them making better use of their industry and be an
even stronger international force in the future.
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