China using military and economic power to erode open international order: Harris

Calling Chinese actions in the East and South China Seas as coordinated, methodical and strategic, a top American commander today said Beijing is using its military and economic power to erode the free and open international order.

Admiral Harry Harris, Commander of the US Pacific Command, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing said China is attempting to assert de facto sovereignty over disputed maritime features by further militarising its man-made bases.

"China is leveraging military modernisation, influence operations and predatory economics to coerce neighbouring countries to reorder the Indo-Pacific to their advantage," Admiral Harry Harris, Commander of the US Pacific Command, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on Thursday.

"While some view China's actions in the East and South China Seas as opportunistic, I do not. I view them as coordinated, methodical and strategic, using their military and economic power to erode the free and open international order, he said.

China's aggression in the South China Sea moves along unabated, despite the Permanent Court of Arbitration's tribunal ruling that invalidated China's nine-dash line claim, an unprecedented land reclamation in 2016, he said.

"China's impressive military buildup could soon challenge the United States across almost every domain. Key investments include fielding significant improvements in missile systems, developing fifth-generation fighter capabilities and growing the size and capability of the Chinese navy, to include their first overseas base in the Port of Djibouti," he said.

"They're also heavily investing into the next wave of military technologies, including hypersonic missiles, advanced space and cyber capabilities, and artificial intelligence. If the US does not keep pace, PACOM will struggle to compete with the People's Liberation Army on future battlefields," Harris told the lawmakers.

Asserting that China's intent is "crystal clear", Harris warned lawmakers.

These types of aspirational goals could be appropriate for a nation of China's stature, but, judging by China's regional behaviour, Harris said he is concerned China will now work to undermine the rules-based international order not just in the Indo-Pacific, but on a global scale as China expands its presence in Central Asia, the Arctic, Africa, South America and Europe.

"This increasingly competitive environment necessitates continued dialogue between the United States and China and our militaries to improve understanding and reduce risk," he said.

Several lawmakers agreed with Harris. Senator Jack Reed, said the US needs a better global campaign to counter Chinese influence in the region.

For years, China has been circulating a narrative that the West is in decline and that the economic future lies with China, he said.