7th Fleet Focus: "Don't Mess With Us."

Air Force Magazine has an article on the Pacific out this month that is a must read, because it isn't sugar coated. If you are looking for "straight talk" about the Pacific, this is your article. Admiral Keating begins the discussion with a few choice comments for China.

“We must maintain the effective overmatch, the powerful overmatch, we currently enjoy,” said Adm. Timothy J. Keating, the commander of US Pacific Command, “whether it’s based on numbers, capabilities, or ... a combination of both.” Keating added that PACOM’s forces “must retain the ability to dominate in any scenario, in all environments, without exception.”

He told his audience that Washington must be committed to peaceful solutions to problems, but “must always be prepared to act decisively and, if necessary, alone.”

These comments almost certainly came before the Kitty Hawk incident, and I can imagine the recent events have sharpened his focus. The article goes into considerable detail of the gradual shift of forces towards the Pacific. It is interesting to note who is interested in what. For example, it appears the Air Force is very much interested in AEGIS ballistic missile defense. Makes sense, as this capability is important to insuring the safety of air bases regionally.

The article also details the purpose of several places, from Singapore to South Korea. On each topic there are items I should quote, but instead I will summarize by pointing out the military appears to understand the rise of anti-American sentiments in South Korea, and sees a lot of opportunity for the Navy to capitalize on good relations with Singapore.

Near the end of the article, it concludes with some interesting exchanges. Apparently China has approached the US with a divide and conquer strategy for the Pacific.

Engagement is also intended to deter potential adversaries. A former Pacific commander, Adm. Dennis C. Blair, once told Congress that military exchanges were intended to send China a message that, while Washington did not seek war, “don’t mess with us.”

On another occasion, a Chinese admiral was threatening military action against Taiwan that might involve the US. Blair listened for a minute, then said: “Look, you should understand that I own the water out there and I own the sky over that water. Don’t you think we should talk about something more constructive?”

During a May visit to China, Keating encountered a Chinese admiral who suggested that the US and China divide control of the Pacific Ocean between them, with China maintaining order in the western half while the US confined itself to the eastern half. A PACOM officer said Keating told his Chinese interlocutor: “We’re not going to give it up, and we want you to know that.”

I'm not one to advocate being pushy, but in my opinion, more of the attitude that Blair is attributed to in this article wouldn't be a bad thing. I do not see much evidence the administration or the State Dept is looking after US interests with China, in fact I'm seeing some troubling signs the US is sending China that we would let them do what they please with Taiwan.

If the Pentagon wants to send a message regarding what to expect out of us I'm OK with that. As the Thanksgiving incident proved, China is going to do what China wants to do anyway, might as well keep them reminded they will have to deal with us.