Paris: The head of the US Navy warned on Wednesday
of China`s "opaque" intentions behind its growing naval might
as it seeks to use sea power to bolster its strength on the
world stage.
"The navy is growing to assure the flow of resources" to
China`s booming economy and is "developing very, very good
capabilities," Admiral Gary Roughead, US chief of naval
operations, told reporters in Paris.
"They are moving forward with a navy that is being seen
more... in areas further from their homeland," he said.
"It`s important to develop a cooperative relationship
with the (Chinese) navy because they are somewhat opaque when
it comes to intentions," he added.
"It`s important that that becomes clearer not simply to
us but all countries in the region and beyond."
Roughead spoke at the end of a visit to France during
which he discussed cooperation with French naval leaders, with
whom he oversees joint operations such as fighting
Somalia-based pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
He hailed progress made by navies from various countries
including China in jointly patrolling that key shipping route,
where pirates have carried out numerous kidnappings, but
warned it was a long-term struggle.
"Without the rule of law ashore, we`ll be chasing pirates
for quite a while," he said.
PTI
