Pacific Command Nominee Will Build Up Forces to Deter China

As part of the Pentagon's new strategy to counter China, the admiral nominated to head the US Pacific Command is planning a buildup of forces in the region, the Asia Times reported on Tuesday.

In recent testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing, Adm. Philip Davidson said he would "recalibrate" the command in line with the Pentagon's new national defense strategy if he is confirmed for the position, as is considered likely.

He also warned China's massive buildup of military infrastructure in the South China Sea means only an armed conflict could now stop Beijing from closing the international sea lanes there, which is why it is extremely vital for American forces to recapture the technological advantage they held for the first half century after World War II, according to news.com.au.

"In the future, hypersonic and directed energy weapons, resilient space, cyber and network-capabilities, and well-trained soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coastguardsmen will be crucial to our ability to fight and win," he said.

The effort to deter China "entails ensuring the continued combat readiness of assigned forces in the western Pacific; developing an updated footprint that accounts for China's rapid modernization and pursuing agreements with host nations that allow the United States to project power when necessary," Davidson stated in written answers to the senators on the committee, the Asia Times reported.

Davidson's remarks are in line with the strategy of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to put a high priority in confronting Chinese aggressiveness in Asia and worldwide.

• We Can't Ignore South China Sea Threat Any Longer
• Satellite Images Show Dozens of Chinese Ships in South China Sea