Chinese News Agency Warns Against U.S. Moves
by David Barboza
New York Times
The Xinhua commentary, published under the byline Yu Zhixiao, does not represent China’s official position on the Obama administration’s new defense strategy. But because Xinhua is the official propaganda arm of the Communist Party, its editorials often mirror Beijing’s positions.
The commentary seemed to echo earlier statements by Chinese military officials.
“The U.S. role, if fulfilled with a positive attitude and free from a cold war-style zero-sum mentality, will not only be conducive to regional stability and prosperity, but be good for China, which needs a peaceful environment to continue its economic development,” the commentary said.
“However, while boosting its military presence in the Asia-Pacific, the United States should abstain from flexing its muscles, as this won’t help solve regional disputes.”