Mullen: From “curious” to “concerned” about China

Some not very encouraging words from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs: 

“I’ve moved from being curious about what they’re doing, to being concerned about what they’re doing,” Mullen said of China, in comments to about 300 soldiers at a town hall-like meeting here.

“I see a fairly significant investment in high-end equipment – satellites, ships … anti-ship missiles, obviously high-end aircraft and all those kinds of things,” he said. “They are (also) shifting from a focus on their ground forces to focus on their navy … and their air force.

“It is the (lack of) transparency … with respect to China that is probably most vexing, because it is difficult to figure out where they’re headed,” he added. “I’d like to have a conversation to see where they’re going, and right now I can’t do that.”

Mullen made his comments while visiting U.S. troops in South Korea, where a massive joint military exercise is planned for this weekend. Chinese leaders have expressed strong discomfort with planned future drills in the Yellow sea, with one general writing: "China will be aware of the security pressure from military exercises conducted by any country in an area that is so close to China’s heartland.” General Luo quoted a saying from Mao: “We will never allow others to keep snoring beside our beds.”

China recently completed its own naval drills in the region. In case you’re wondering what actually happens during these politically provocative war games, I have a new explainer up on that very subject. 

Hat tip: Bryan McGrath of Information Dissemination, who was also kind enough to help me out with the piece.