US Expert Suggests Striking China's C4ISR Systems; Tension Rises Between US and China Over Military Buildup
In a recent hearing held by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) in Washington D.C., Michael Dahm, a senior resident researcher at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, suggested that the U.S. should strike China's Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems before they become fully operational.
23 March 2024
Dahm, a seasoned intelligence expert with a 25-year career in the U.S. Navy, believes that this approach would create a strategic advantage in the event of conflict. Dahm's comments were part of a discussion titled "China's Growing Anti-Interference Capabilities and Their Impact on the U.S. and Indo-Pacific Allies." The hearing also featured Thomas Shugart, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), who warned of the growing capability gap between U.S. and Chinese shipbuilding. Shugart urged the U.S. to strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities and prepare for military competition with China. The discussion comes amidst ongoing tension between the U.S. and China, with the U.S. frequently expressing concerns about China's military threat.
The Chinese government, however, has consistently maintained a defensive posture, stating that its military buildup is aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Dahm's recommendation to target China's C4ISR systems has stirred controversy on Chinese social media platform Weibo. User @LaoWei commented, "Is the U.S. trying to start a war?
They are talking about attacking our C4ISR systems. This is ridiculous!" Meanwhile, user @HongYang expressed concern, "If the U.S. attacks our C4ISR systems, it would be a direct act of war. This is extremely dangerous."
Shugart's warning about China's growing shipbuilding capabilities has also been met with criticism. User @ZhangLi wrote, "The U.S. is just trying to find an excuse to increase its military budget. China's shipbuilding capabilities are not a threat to the U.S." The USCC hearing and the subsequent reactions on Weibo reflect the growing tension between the U.S. and China. As both nations continue to assert their military power, the risk of escalation remains a significant concern. In response to the U.S.'s repeated rhetoric about China's military threat, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has issued several statements, accusing the U.S. of using the "China military threat theory" to justify its own military expansion and maintain its military hegemony.
The ministry also criticized the U.S. for attempting to create excuses for its "contain China" policy and its "use Taiwan to control China" strategy. Despite the tension, China has reiterated its commitment to a defensive military policy and its desire for peaceful reunification with Taiwan.
The Chinese government has stated that it will not allow any force to separate Taiwan from China. In conclusion, the USCC hearing and the reactions on Weibo highlight the increasing tension between the U.S. and China. As both nations continue to assert their military power, the risk of escalation remains a significant concern. The situation calls for careful diplomacy and a commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.