China-America Military Confrontation: Avoiding Escalation of Tension

Tensions are building in the military sphere of the confrontation between China and the United States. It is no longer just about trade and advanced technology; conflicts are becoming prominent in the security field, too.

Both sides appear to be planning only limited containment and a demonstration of power, but one cannot dismiss the fear that these actions might result in an accidental clash. Both governments must acknowledge the danger of the situation and act with restraint.

The responsibility for most of the current tension lies with China. In addition to its longstanding strategy of military expansion, in recent years it has increased anxiety among its neighbors with forceful advances into nearby waters.

China’s firing of multiple medium-range ballistic missiles this August in the South China Sea should be strongly rebuked. China is reported to have new weapons like the “Guam Killer,” which can reach the American territory of Guam.

China has built on reefs in the South China Sea that are claimed by other countries, turning them into military bases. The international community cannot ignore actions that violate prior agreements and international law.

The U.S. military has continued its “freedom of navigation” operations and shown that it does not recognize China’s unilateral claim to the South China Sea. Recently, the U.S. has increased the level of countermeasures it is taking in the region.

Besides sending two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea for exercises, a surveillance aircraft reportedly entered China’s no-fly zone in August.

Diplomats from both sides are also increasing the level of criticism. In particular, the Donald Trump administration is criticizing the Chinese Communist Party system ahead of the presidential election in November, and it seems that this is reflected in U.S. military maneuvers.

We must strictly refrain from actions that worsen the military situation in the interest of politics.

In a 2001 incident, American and Chinese warplanes made contact in the skies near Hainan, causing the Chinese plane to crash. Dialogue between the two countries broke down for nearly a half day afterward.

It is probably imperative to learn from this lesson and set up a crisis management system that can quickly communicate intentions in emergencies. America and China also face off over nuclear power, and they have a vital responsibility to implement whatever it takes to prevent a clash.

The Japanese government must also pour its efforts into creating an environment that controls the situation.

The Japanese and American defense ministries recently held talks on Guam. It is reported that they agreed as to their positions against China’s unilateral and forceful changes in the East and South China Seas.

Japan should request a halt to China’s military expansion in concert with America, Australia, Europe, etc., but it is probably also the ally’s role to urge America to respond calmly.

The struggle for supremacy between the U.S. and China will drag on for a long time, and the direction that the relationship between those countries takes will determine the future of the world. As a major country close to both of them, Japan must demand diplomacy that contributes to a healthy relationship between America and China.