Defense analysts tell Congress to devise war plan aiming at China

The US military needs a specific war plan designed to counter China, especially after its recent declaration of an air defense zone over the East China Sea, a group of defense analysts advised a congressional panel.

South Korea and US warships participate in their joint military drill Foal Eagle in South Korea’s West sea on March 17, 2013.

The defense analysts told the US House Armed Services’ Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee on Wednesday that the Pentagon should begin a massive arms build-up, including additional nuclear submarines and long-range anti-ship missiles for a possible confrontation with China.

“Chinese leaders are ambitious and they are moving toward great power status. The US is not taking this possibility as seriously as it should,” Seth Cropsey, a senior fellow at The Hudson Institute, told the subcommittee, according to DoD Buzz.

To respond to this threat, he added, the US needs to devise a more focused war plan for China.

Much of the hearing was focused on how the US can counter Chinese strategic moves in the region through the use of its military assets. The analysts said China has sought to control waterways, choke points and restrict access to key islands and territories in the region.

China’s military spending has increased dramatically in the past ten years, from an estimated $45 billion in 2003 to $115 to $200 billion currently, said Jim Thomas, vice president and director of studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.

China is investing heavily on military ships, long-range missiles, fighter jets and submarines, he explained.

Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA), the subcommittee chairman, said that this military modernization is “emboldening the Chinese government to exert their interests by bullying their neighbors and pushing back the United States in the Asia Pacific region.”

Andrew Erickson, associate professor at the US Naval War College, testified that the US should deploy its Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines to deny China the ability “to hold and resupply any forcefully seized islands.”

The relations between the United States and China have been further strained after Beijing announced an air defense zone over the East China Sea last month.

Washington has said it will not recognize the defense zone. The US flew two B-52 bombers over disputed islands in the East China Sea to challenge Beijing’s declaration.

An American guided missile cruiser and a Chinese warship “nearly collided” in the sea about a week ago, US Pacific Fleet announced on Friday.

Presstv