China illegally using military to push nations out of international waters: Rep. Wittman
Communist China’s Aggressive Expansion in Southeast Asia
According to Congressman Rob Wittman, Communist China is illegally using its military to expand its territory and control neighboring nations’ natural resources. As a member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Wittman reveals that China’s military facilities are being used to dominate Southeast Asia and undermine American influence.
During an interview with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, Wittman emphasizes China’s intent to impede and weaken the United States. He describes their aggressiveness as almost over the top.
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Recent incidents in the South China Sea involving China have raised concerns. Chinese Coast Guard vessels, operating far from Chinese territory, have placed underwater barriers and used water cannons against vessels from the Philippines. These actions were attempts to prevent the Philippines from accessing natural resources that they have a legal right to.
Beijing’s antagonism towards its smaller neighbors is part of a decade-long campaign by the CCP to expand China’s boundaries and illegally acquire resources. In September, confrontations between China and the Philippines occurred near Mischief Reef, one of many artificially constructed islands created by the CCP to expand its territory and military reach in the South China Sea.
Mischief Reef now hosts various facilities, including radar and communications systems, runways and hangars for fighter jets, and surface-to-air missiles. The CCP’s long-term goal is to project military power beyond the First Island Chain, which stretches from Japan to Indonesia.
According to Wittman, the CCP’s efforts in the Spratly Island chain are solely focused on military dominance. The airstrips, radars, and missiles serve one purpose: to push other nations out of the region.
Wittman reveals that he received a briefing on CCP activities against non-Chinese vessels, including an incident where Chinese vessels interfered with a Philippines vessel during repairs. Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannons to blast the vessels attempting to maintain their facility.
China’s aggression extends beyond the Philippines. When U.S. vessels pass through the South China Sea, Chinese vessels actively try to interfere with their navigation and impede their progress.
Control of the South China Sea is often disputed due to the CCP’s aggressive behavior. The regime has never actually controlled the 90 percent of the sea it claims as its own, and multiple international organizations have deemed these claims illegal.
Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the CCP has constructed artificial islands to serve as military bases for annexing the region. In a display of this strategy, a Philippine ship approaching Mischief Reef received a message on all cellphones on board: “Welcome to China.”
Wittman argues that incidents like these demonstrate the CCP’s intention to forcibly expand its authoritarian model worldwide, disregarding international rules and norms. He emphasizes that China’s goal is domination, not competition, and they will resort to lying, cheating, and stealing to achieve their ends.
Wittman concludes by stating that this is the threat of our lifetime, comparable to the magnitude of the world’s challenges in 1938.
How does China’s aggressive expansion in Southeast Asia, including infrastructure projects and economic investments, affect regional stability and the erosion of national sovereignty
S, including an airstrip and military barracks, giving China a strategic advantage in the region. These facilities not only allow China to assert dominance but also serve as a launching point for further expansion and control over nearby waters. This assertiveness has been met with resistance from neighboring countries who have territorial claims in the South China Sea, such as the Philippines and Vietnam.
The Chinese government’s actions in the South China Sea have been widely criticized by the international community, including the United States. In response, the US has increased its naval presence in the region to ensure the freedom of navigation and support its allies. However, China’s continued aggressive behavior raises concerns about the potential for conflict and the stability of the region.
China’s aggressive expansion in Southeast Asia also extends beyond the South China Sea. In recent years, the Chinese government has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in neighboring countries, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. While these investments may seem beneficial on the surface, they often come with hidden strings attached, such as increased economic dependence on China and the erosion of national sovereignty.
The expansion of China’s influence in Southeast Asia also has implications for American interests in the region. As Congressman Wittman pointed out, China’s actions are aimed at undermining American influence and impeding its strategic goals. China’s military facilities in the South China Sea pose a direct challenge to US military presence and power projection in the region.
To counter China’s aggressive expansion, it is essential for the United States to strengthen its alliances in Southeast Asia and support countries that oppose China’s territorial claims. The United States should also continue to assert its commitment to freedom of navigation and uphold international law in the South China Sea. Additionally, efforts should be made to closely monitor China’s economic activities in the region to prevent undue influence and ensure the protection of national interests.
In conclusion, China’s aggressive expansion in Southeast Asia poses a significant challenge to regional stability and American interests. The Chinese government’s actions in the South China Sea, including the construction of military facilities and assertive behavior towards neighboring countries, are clear indications of China’s intent to dominate the region. To address this challenge, the United States and its allies must work together to counter China’s expansion and uphold the principles of freedom, sovereignty, and international law.
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