In the past decade, China has rapidly emerged to play a part on the international stage. China's growing economic and military power has already expanded its political influence and distinctive diplomatic voice and increased its involvement in regional multilateral institutions. This phenomenon has been called a "peaceful rising," but there is something else that has been rising at the same time and that is China's military budget.
What's astounding is that China has announced its official military budget will grow 17.8 percent this year to US$45 billion. With this large budget, military exercises have been held constantly. Russia even coordinates with China in the new military rehearsal for Peace Mission 2007. Some still question the motivation behind the exercise despite assurances that it is for the sake of anti-terrorism.
Not only that, but the military deployment directed at Taiwan and the military threat posed to the entire Asian region can't hide China's ambition. Particularly, in the latest grand ceremony held to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army, Chinese President Hu Jintao (
With this in mind, isn't it obvious we should no longer trust this talk of "peace?" Will you still believe that China's "peaceful rising" is really as it has claimed? Don't be so naive! This time, we should take a closer look at China's real motivation. Don't fall into the web of lies China has woven.
Winnie Hung
Taipei
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