Views on China

Once again, I would like to thank Mr. Sia Ka Mou for his comments on my article, What about China's new warship? (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 26). It is obvious that our differences in opinion lie in the way which we each interpret China's history and present-day conduct within the international system.

I sense from Mr. Sia's comments the belief that any country in the Asia Pacific (especially Japan) can be perceived as a threat by its neighbors, and thus it is unfair to point at China as if it is the sole threat to regional security.

If one was to conduct an analysis of international relations based on realism, which emphasizes structural anarchy and the balance of power, Mr. Sia has a valid point.

Indeed, fears of a revival of Japanese militarism are still prevalent among some Asian leaders. However, as long as the United States remains engaged in the region, such a revival will unlikely occur, especially considering the present unpopularity of increased military spending among the Japanese themselves.

As I have mentioned before, the Chinese focus in my article simply stems from an interpretation of trends indicating their aggressiveness in pursuing military modernization and establishing authority over claimed territories, even when neighboring states strongly challenge such claims.

Of course, this interpretation may not appeal to some.

In regards to Mr. Sia's suggestion that I write an article on the possible threat of Indonesia's proposed naval development, I am afraid that I will not be able to do so until five years from now, the time frame within which this program is expected to be completed.

Such an analysis will require a futuristic view of the weaponry that will be acquired, Indonesia's strategic designs as well as the status of the South China Sea disputes and the international constellation of power; these are matters that not even the brightest academic can grasp at the moment.

In any case, the lack of attention given to the Indonesian Navy throughout the New Order regime resulted in a force that embarrassingly is not even a threat to foreign fishing boats, which daily intrude on our sovereignty and intimidate local fishermen.

SANTO DARMOSUMARTO

Pondok Gede

Bekasi