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Updated Wednesday, June 16, 2010 9:40 am TWN, By Frank Ching

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China, U.S. ties still frigid at best

China had previously objected to the presence of American intelligence-gathering vessels in the waters of its exclusive economic zone. This article, however, does not cite any legal backing for its position.

Now, China is objecting to an American military presence in an area that is not claimed as China's territorial waters or even its exclusive economic zone. It is a response based purely on emotion.

While saying that “China does not object to the U.S. navy's presence in the western Pacific,” it asserts that “this does not mean the United States can ignore China's self-esteem and drive their aircraft carrier straight to the front of China's doorstep to flex their muscles.”

As China gains strength economically, diplomatically and militarily, Beijing is seeking to assure other countries that they have nothing to fear because China will not be a hegemon.

Last week, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman again repeated this message while responding to concerns voiced by Admiral Mullen.

“China's development will not threaten any country or person,” the spokesman said. “We don't threaten or invade others. We oppose hegemony. Even if China becomes developed in future, we will still follow the road of peaceful development and never seek hegemony. This is a solemn pledge made by the Chinese Government.”

In a way, it is good that the Chinese government is willing to go on record and say that it will never seek to dominate the region or the world.

The challenge for everyone, including the Chinese, is to see to it that China does not deviate from this position, even after it becomes a superpower.

Frank Ching can be reached at Frank.ching@gmail.com

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Comments

July 28, 2010 gr0722@

How laughable. China insists in its territorial integrity vis a vis Tibet and Sinkiang but enjoys carving up Korea to its benefit. Not a hegemonic power? Yes it is, with a puppet civilian government with the PLA pulling the strings. A real threat to be taken seriously by the US and other countries in the region, especially Vietnam.