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Question of the week: Given China’s growing military capabilities, do you consider China….

Posted by Randy | November 30, 2012

Last the weekend, China’s Defense Ministry released video and pictures of a Chinese J-15 fighter jet taking off and landing from its aircraft carrier, the Liaoning.

The news marks a significant milestone for China 14 years after it acquired the unfinished carrier from the Ukraine, 18 months after its first sea trials and two months after its commissioning into the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Though significant work lies ahead to make the Liaoning combat operational, the commencement of carrier-based, fixed-wing flight operations puts China in elite company, with only five other nations with these current capabilities – The U.S., Russia, France, India and Brazil.

This comes during a time of increasing concern among China’s neighbors in the Pacific, many of which remain embroiled in territorial disputes with China over the long-term regional intentions of the People’s Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party. This week, Congressman Forbes moderated an important discussion at the Foreign Policy Initiative entitled, “All Eyes on Asia: Perspectives From Our Allies” between representatives of several nations in the region on their security concerns and the re-rise of China.

Additionally, click here to read about Congressman Forbes’ work as Chairman and founder of the Congressional China Caucus, whose primary mission is to investigate and educate its members on the emergence of China’s global reach and the consequences of its growing international, economic, and political influence on U.S. interests.

Question of the week: Given China’s growing military capabilities, do you consider China….

( ) a partner of the United States
( ) friendly, but not a partner of the United States
( ) a competitor to the United States
( ) an adversary to the United States
( ) I don't know
( ) Other (Leave your comments below)

Take the poll here.

Find out the results of last week’s instapoll here.

Find out the results of my instapoll about the “Fiscal Cliff” here.

Comments

Users are solely responsible for the opinions they post here and their comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Congressman Forbes.

thomas G commented on 11/30/2012

My first concern congressman is whether you intend to vote to shove our country into default and screw the private sector like you did last year. I also want to make it very clear sir, each day that you hang on to that ridiculous Grover Norquist blackmail pledge of obstruction you become less reliabe in competent national judgment. I share former republican senator Alan Simpson's view that you do not belong in congress or in public service as a signatory of that pledge. Lastly, your office cannot even identify 1 single dollar of spending cuts you advocate and you continue to insist on tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. I guess there is one more thing, the American people, and I make my self very clear here sir, will not accept an increase in the age for Medicare to 67. You need to get to work sir because this congress has utterly failed the American people, you have failed me, the state of Virginia, and your congressional district. You owe us an apology for sitting on a jobs bill for over a year refusing to even vote on it...and you cost the nation over a million jobs as a result. You are invisible in Washington on issues important to the middle class. I want more from you than voting to hold the Attorney General in contempt, an act that will forever tarnish your reputation. China's advances are impressive indeed. Today I see China as a competitor. There is no doubt we have to stay focused on this. I have read where resources are being shifted to the pacific to address this emerging interest. That is smart policy. I support the senate's vote yesterday, the bipartisan vote, endorsing President Obama's position on Afghanistan and urging an accelerated withdrawal. I do not support the extreme position of the House on the same matter.
Tom E commented on 11/30/2012

Mr Forbes, Can you please improve the wording of your "Questions of the week" so that available choices are not limited to the extremes. Taking this week's question, China is an independant nation, free to develop a military. Are they friendly, with the US being involved in multiple wars, you could argue they are more friendly than we are. Are they a competitor, economically-every country is. But what does this have to do with their military. Instead of using this "Question of the week" to ignite emotions, can you please use it to gather useful feedback. Hire a statistician to write un-biased choices to your questions. The continuous civil war within the DC beltway is really getting old.
ART L commented on 11/30/2012

Considering the current stalemate which has become 'normal business' practices of our elected officials. Why not make the first mandatory cuts to spending by suspending the salaries of the Congress and Senate until they can come to a workable, bi-partisan solution. This cliff has been known about since it was voted in by the elected officials and again they wait until after the election, and Thanksgiving holiday, to finally sit down and talk. Surprise - not - nothing positive has come from these discussions which is now 'business as usual'. Our forefathers would be so displeased with what our once proud democracy has become.
Byron Fordham commented on 11/30/2012

I definitely don't see China as a friend, but they also aren't an enemy. Given how much of our debt they are carrying and also how dependent they are on the U.S. to buy their goods, I see China as a necessary partner from an economic and fiscal standpoint. With that said and with their (realistic very limited increase) in military capabilities, the U.S. must continue to be prepared to defend our nation and nation's interest no matter who, no matter where, and no matter when.
Richard Reviello commented on 11/30/2012

We, The United States spend more on our Military Budget then the Next 13 Nations combined and that, Congressman includes China. Our Military budget needs to be trimmed, you seem to want to start an ARMS Race with China over the size of their Navy. I assume Newport News Ship yards would get the Navy contracts for additional ships to be built. Makes me wonder, if your not getting something out of this kind of talk. That is all you have been talking about for months is the size of China's Navy, isn't there something else to worry about more important than the size of China's Navy? Do we really have to police the entire globe, while we provide that security for the rest of the world, the rest of the world pays The Unite States nothing in return.
Gregg J commented on 11/30/2012

China is a potential future adversary of the U.S. and a close eye needs to kept on their military advances. However, this should not be used as an excuse to continue blindly pouring billions into defense contractor's pockets. There needs to be strict management on how money allocated to the DoD is spent. The inspector general needs to be included in the chain of command between defense contractors and the DoD. This to prevent wasting taxpayer dollars on weapons systems of dubious design. As if problems with the B-1, CV-22 and F-22 aren't already compromising the nations ability to fight, now there are reports of significant problems with the F-35. Where is the accountability? Where is the leadership? Saddling the military with overly complex and unreliable weapons systems proves there is little to no management except for feeding the defense contractor machine with taxpayer money.
Mike Schnekser commented on 11/30/2012

Neither partner or foe. The circumstances behind many wars often centered around trade. I think, however, that we're seeing China grow as a capitalist power (yes, i said capitalist) and it's driving many crazy. Instead of saber rattling egged on by folks who've started the fire by sending tons of business their way, I believe it best to find a middle ground, stop blasting them out one side of the mouth and extolling them out of the other, and engage in business and cultural exchanges. Work to keep China close, not threaten at every opportunity. Also, we need to not insist that they become like us.
Matthew Ployd commented on 11/30/2012

I believe China to be an opportunistic competitor. They are pricing themselves into our financial downfall. They intentionally produce goods cheaper than we are willing to. Thus, they know they have us far beyond defeated in the manufacturing and trading of merchandise. If economics is any indicator, they know that all they have to do is become more mobile militarily in the world and then they will be able to prevent us from unilaterally positioning ourselves in any conflict we please. If we are the so called policemen of the world we will soon be turning in our badges. If they squire multi aircraft carrier capability they will establish their ability to mirror /match us in our endeavours. Imagine the Enterprise Carrier group arriving in the Middle East to quelch a hammas missile attack on Israel only to find an identical Chinese carrier group waiting for us to insist we stand down. It will start a brand new arms race. One we may not come out ahead on.
Kathryn Bailey commented on 12/1/2012

China is a quickly evolving, ever changing, always wanting to be like the western world society. I have been to China 2 times to adopt. Their cities feel like New York City except the sea of dark hair. Chinese people are like other people in that they want to succeed by making money and by living in peace, harmony and prosperity. China is willing to work with any other country to the benefit of all parties as long as they respect China's Communist culture and use of reciprocal manners (no one outside of China has to agree with it, just repect it's restrictions). Do I think there will be another Tiananmen Square type revolt? Yes. Chinese people are enjoying so many small freedoms in their daily lives, getting a small taste of what democracy feels like, that another demonstration of the desire for a true democracy is bound to happen. We need to work with China peacefully to the benefit of all involved.
Larry Reagan commented on 12/1/2012

I wish we had more congressmen like you. Keep up the good work. Please priotitize choice in education. How can we ever change our culture, if socialist control the education of our most precious and valuable possessions - our children?
Todd Kennedy commented on 12/2/2012

stop pretending the US doesn't spend 2 1/2 times more money on the military than China.
Thomas G commented on 12/4/2012

I cannot believe the republican party doesn't even read a newspaper. How else can you explain the blatant attack on the American people in the fiscal cliff proposal delivered to the president yesterday. How can you explain this? Poll after poll has clearly, for months, even years has demonstrated the people do NOT want reductions in social security cost of living and do NOT want the Medicare eligibility age raised to 67. But this is EXACTLY what the DEAF republican party did yesterday. It is an astonishing disconnect with reality. The American people are going to hold every republican accountable who refuses to rescind that ridiculous Grover Norquist blackmail pledge of obstruction and who refuses to raise tax rates on millionaires and billionaires. Congressman Forbes, you are a big part of the problem here. Please sir, respond to the will of the people, for once sir, just respond to the will of the people and stop harming the citizens and your country.
David Brickey commented on 12/5/2012

Rep. Forbes, I think "thomas G's" comments, though sincere, are sincerely wrong. The US economy is sliding downhill at an ever increasing rate. We are hemorrhaging money and the Scooby Doo band-aid of raising taxes even above 50% for high income bracket earners and capital gains is a drop in the bucket of the $1Trillion deficit. We are nearing $17Trillion in debt and adding to it every year. The Senate has not passed a budget in 4 years. That's disgraceful and nearly seditious in my opinion. Sticking with the band-aid analogy, I prefer band-aid fast as opposed to band-aid slow in an effort to have an honorable legacy for my grandchildren. Do not vote to raise taxes at all. Don't push us over the "cliff", but instead sprint to the edge and jump. Take the budget cut from DoD and replicate it across the spectrum of the 2008 budget under which we're working without raising taxes. The Democrat party always talk about "fair share", well it's time to spread the pain across the nation so we can all have a fair share of our just desserts. It takes two to tango so the Grand Ole Party is as culpable as the Democrat Party. Mea Culpa. V/r, Dave
dalelynn sims commented on 12/21/2012

When you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have them. I believe allowing armed teachers & others on school to be a deterant. Not everyone needs to be armed. In the same way we as a nation have the military, we can provide a second tbought to those that wish to do oghers harm. We also need to get back to the basics. There are already enough laws. Thou shall not murder & Love thy neighbor as yourself. But the most important is Love the Lord youg God witb all your heart mind soul and stregnth. Maybe, just maybe if we start with these we will see the change needed.
kimberly goold commented on 12/21/2012

In response to the poll re the murders in Newtown, Connecticut, I am dissappointed that the poll did not deal witht he REAL issue and provide an option to offer the removal of AUTOMATIC weapons. When the Second Admendement was written, automatic weapons didn't exist. As a member of an active hunting family, we do not fear loosing any rights because atomatic machine guns are taken off the market for Americans. Please stand up against the Republican party and NRA and support the removal of automatic weapons. Thank you for asking. Kimberly
Carl Louk commented on 12/22/2012

After the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, as is often the case, Progressive Liberals and Progressive Republicans are calling for new Gun Control Laws, but there is a Texas school district that has gotten it right. Trustees at the Harrold Independent School District approved a district policy change so employees can carry concealed firearms to deter and protect against school shootings. The Texas superintendent used common sense and was able to link gun-free zones with the uprising of school shootings in recent years. Coming to the common sense realization that when you make schools gun-free zones, it's like inviting people to come in and take advantage. The new district policy states that in order for teachers and staff to carry a pistol, they must have a Texas license to carry a concealed handgun; must be authorized to carry by the district. Must receive training in crisis management and hostile situations and must use ammunition that is designed to minimize the risk of ricochet in school halls. If something were to happen here, I'd much rather the school district and police officers to be calling a parent to tell them that their child is OK because teachers and staff were able to protect them. Texas is not the only state that is using common sense. In Utah, the law allows anyone with a permit to carry a gun in public schools and state institutions of higher education. My fellow Virginians, I urge you to write your delegate, your state senator and Governor Bob McDonald and urge them to tear down those “Gun-Free Zones” signs at our schools, which is nothing but bull’s-eyes for those who intent to do evil and put up “Our Staff conceals and carry do harm at your own risk.” signs.
Steve Sutherlin commented on 12/22/2012

Mr. Forbes, when communicating with constituents one must be careful how querys are worded. In the case of last weeks poll concerning China's "growing military capabilities", both the question and the answers were worded in such a way as to imply that the "growing" was aggressive towards America in some way. Accordingly the majority responded with an aggressive position. That is a normal American National response to any percieved threat. In the context of a local poll however it is very misleading to the point that its characterization could be termed rabble-rousing. That is not a proper position for a US Congressman to take in a relationship that is considered peaceful at the least. Perhaps you should consider how other countries might respond to unprovoked negative chacterizations of their activities. History has many tales to tell cocerning just such a fear response to what was actually a routine course of action.

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