Halifax: The Head of the US Indo-Pacific Command said on Saturday the United States and its allies need to operate with a greater sense of urgency amid increasing tensions and increasingly firm Chinese military actions.
ADM John C Aquilino reiterated American commitment to reach the free and open Indo-Pacific region during the meeting with allies in the Halifax International Security Forum.
“Look at what the Chinese said.
President XI (Jinping) has assigned his troops to be at the level of military parity with the United States in 2027.
It was his words,” Aquilino said in a journalist.
Aquilino said the US and its allies need to work together more often in international waters to build interoperability so they can operate together quickly if needed.
“We need to send abilities faster and faster,” he said.
Tensions have increased when the Chinese military has sent an increased number of fighter jets near Taiwan’s own island, which Beijing considers part of its territory.
China has threatened to use the power to unite with it if necessary.
This week the Chinese coast guard boat was also clogged and sprayed water on two Philippine ships carrying supplies to the disputed South China sea cage in the territorial dispute flare-up distributing in strategic waterways.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea and has changed seven shoals to the island bases that are protected by missiles to strengthen their statements, increasing strain and alarming rival and Western government led by the US.
President XI has oversee the assertive foreign policy and the expansion of the party’s military wing, the People’s Liberation Army.
It has the second largest military budget in the world after the United States and is developing submarines, stealth planes and ballistic missiles that can carry nuclear warheads.
“They work at a very acceleration speed,” said Aquilino.
The US and its allies have promoted free and open Indo-Pacific goals to ensure peace, free navigation and rules-based international order in the main international sea lane, a step also joined Japan, Australia and India in a framework.
known as Quad.
Strategic dialogue is seen as a step to fight China’s increasing influence in the region.
Britain and France, as well as several other countries, have also divert their attention to the region and recently conducted joint military exercises.
China has maintained a growing maritime activity, saying it has the right to maintain its sovereignty interests, security and development.
“We struggle for our values ​​and our ability to be free.
It is a bet,” said Aquilino.
“The difference between free and open or authoritarian and closed.
Which Indo-Pacific do you want to go? Clear to the same-minded nations,” Aquilino added to the Head of the Canadian defense together with Canadian Defense Minister on Friday.
In the 13th year, the Halifax International Security Forum attracted defense and security officials from Western democracy.
About 300 people gather every year in an intimate environment at Halifax Westin Hotel.