Success of Gates' Visit Hinges on Better Military Cooperation

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (R) shakes hands with the visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at a welcome ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 10, 2011. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- During U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' visit to China, he aimed to ascertain the growth of Chinese military forces and strengthen Sino-U.S. cooperation on regional issues.

Last year's US strategy of "returning to Asia" has strained Sino-U.S. relations; subsequently, it is imperative to enhance military exchanges and cooperation.

Since the end of the Cold War, the U.S. has reclassified China as a potential opponent, whereas it had been seen as an informal ally. Yet due to the close economic, trade and financial cooperation between the two countries, the U.S. has not clearly defined China's role.

The two mega-nations appear to be moving in opposite directions, with China expanding its global influence while U.S. dominance in the world's political and economic spheres has been declining - especially after the financial crisis of 2008.

Although China has consistently emphasized that it will not seek hegemony and will not challenge American hegemony, the U.S. doubts this.

From the U.S. point of view, its military serves as the linchpin of its global hegemony and guarantees its superior and unchallengeable position in the world.

Accordingly, the U.S. has been very sensitive about China's expanding military capability and has been vigilantly monitoring it. That's the reason Gates has constantly called on China to increase its military transparency. And during this recent tour he visited some important military sites and facilities.

Regarding the strengthening of Sino-U.S. cooperation on regional issues, Gates said in an interview that he believed that greater cooperation based on common interests will help assuage US concerns about China's military intentions. If Gates' visit is to be viewed successful, the two nations must make progress on a host of issues affecting bilateral relations.

Source: china.org.cn