Quote:
Originally Posted by rickusn
It’s time to stop wondering if China is a military danger. Its buildup answers that question for anyone who had an honest doubt.
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China's military buildup is not necessarily an indication of aggressive intent and should be placed in context. The quest for greater defensive depth may be attributed to China's increasing vulnerability in maritime areas along its periphery. Consider the following: 1) at 18,000 kilometers, China's coastal borders are long and exposed, 2) China's 13 coastal provinces account for 14% of national territory, yet contribute over 60% of GNP, and 3) China relies heavily on sea-borne freight, which makes up 40% of its overall volume of goods transported. Given that China's rise depends upon a combination of economic growth and regional stability, perhaps some additional protection is warranted.