Navy's attention on open seas helps guard maritime interests

The white paper on China's military strategy is seen at a press conference of the Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday. [Photo by Zhang Wei/Asianewsphoto]

China's first white paper on military strategy, which was released by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday, has highlighted several notable adjustments regarding strategic defense and operational and tactical offense. In particular, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy will gradually include protection of Chinese interests on the open seas along with offshore defense. Comments:

The PLA Navy's new strategy is in accordance with the changes that are taking place in the global security environment and its tactical mission. Also, given the acute tensions in the maritime disputes between China and some of its neighbors, the Chinese navy is bound to go further in a bid to better safeguard China's maritime rights and interests.

Zhang Junshe, a researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, May 27

The combined defense strategy indicates that open seas' operations will be a routine practice for the Chinese navy, whose overseas multitasking capabilities may be enhanced accordingly. Besides, Beijing's strategic shift means that its economic growth is increasingly reliant on the oceans.

haiwainet.cn, May 27

Since its establishment more than 60 years ago, the PLA Navy has always kept its focus close to land under the strategy of inshore defense and offshore defensive operations. This is not enough to protect China's maritime interests, which are being increasingly challenged on the open seas. Based on the international maritime conventions and other relevant laws, protection on open seas, in essence, aims at closer international security cooperation.

Zhao Dexi, a researcher with the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, May 27

The "active defense" policy which was stressed in the white paper is essentially based on defense in an active way. Unlike some countries adopting preemptive strategies, emphasizing preventive intervention and taking initiative in military strikes, China chooses a very different approach with "defense" being its fundamental purpose and echoes its top leadership's words of seeking and safeguarding peace and development in the world.

Zhang Yuguo, a senior colonel with the general staff department of the PLA, May 27

(China Daily 05/28/2015 page8)