China warns US on Asia military strategy
China’s state media have warned the US against “flexing its muscles” after Washington unveiled a defence review switching focus to the Asia-Pacific.
In an editorial, official news agency Xinhua said President Barack Obama’s move to increase US presence in the region could come as a welcome boost to stability and prosperity.
But it said any US militarism could create ill will and “endanger peace”.
Mr Obama also plans $450bn (£290bn) in cuts to create a “leaner” military.
Thousands of troops are expected to be axed over the next decade under the far-reaching defence review.
The defence budget could also lose another $500bn at the end of this year after Congress failed to agree on deficit reduction following a debt-ceiling deal in August 2011.
Mr Obama said the “tide of war was receding” in Afghanistan and that the US must renew its economic power.
Regional disputes
However, he told reporters at the Pentagon: “We’ll be strengthening our presence in the Asia-Pacific, and budget reductions will not come at the expense of this critical region.”
Xinhua said the US role could be good for China in helping to secure the “peaceful environment” it needed to continue its economic development.
But it added: “While boosting its military presence in the Asia-Pacific, the United States should abstain from flexing its muscles, as this won’t help solve regional disputes.
“If the United States indiscreetly applies militarism in the region, it will be like a bull in a china shop, and endanger peace instead of enhancing regional stability.”