Keeping an Eye on the Long Game: Part XLIII

A sensible article in WaPo as a reminder of China hanging out in WESTPAC making her neighbors review their history books.  I wonder how many people had to back up and read this twice.

Maj. Gen. Luo Yuan of the China Military Science Society said outsiders need not be concerned. China’s military spending only reflects the newly booming economy, he said, and the country is simply playing catch up after years of neglect.

“Actually, our rapid spending increase in recent years is more like compensation for the past,” Luo said. “Second, the huge increase in our budget is because China faces a lot of threats, traditional and nontraditional. We have a lot of land occupied by other countries. We’re also one of the countries in the world with the most neighbors.”

Luo also said that while other sectors are enjoying the fruits of reform, the armed forces should not be neglected. “It’s important that a person not only grow his bones, but also his muscles,” Luo said. “The military is the muscles.”

Yes ... Russia & India; call your office. There is a lot more in General Luo's mind than just a few islands scattered about. 

"...a lot of land ..."

Indeed.