Pacific Command (PACOM) "aims to build a powerful quadrilateral partnership framework of the most powerful democracies" in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, US Pacific Command Commander Admiral Harry B Harris told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing yesterday.
"India, Japan, Australia and the US working together will be a force for the maintenance of the regional rules-based order, counterbalancing and deterring coercion or unrestrained national ambitions," Harris said.
In his testimony, Harris said the future lies in multilateral security mechanisms.
Observing that China is "out-sticking" US air and maritime forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region in terms of ranges of anti-ship weapons, Harris told Congressmen that he needs increased lethality, specifically ships and aircraft equipped with faster, more lethal, and more survivable weapons systems.
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"We must have longer range offensive weapons on every platform. Finally, we must have a networked force that provides greater options for action or response," he said.
China is improving the lethality and survivability of its attack submarines and building quieter high-end, diesel- and nuclear-powered submarines, he said.
Harris said China's military modernisation programme is transforming its forces into a high-tech military to achieve its dream of regional dominance, with growing aspirations of global reach and influence.
Given China's economic rise, the goal may be natural; however, the lack of transparency on its overall strategic intent behind its military investments and activities creates instability and regional anxiety, he said.
"Chinese shipyards are constructing China's first cruiser-sized warship, their first indigenous aircraft carrier, and many classes of patrol boats, frigates, and destroyers. Newer, more capable submarines continue replacing older ones," he added.