WASHINGTON — The Air Force last week issued updated guidance on US military contact with China, marking the service's latest effort to foster relations between the two countries.
"With the rise of [the People's Republic of China's] influence in the international community and the increasing capabilities of the Chinese military, Air Force military-to-military relationship with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is becoming more crucial than before," the Aug. 5 instruction states.
The instruction provides guidelines for conducting visits by Chinese military personnel to US military installations, as well as visits by US officials to Chinese facilities — interactions the Air Force deems crucial to fostering international relations.
"The success of these visits, whether US or PRC-led, directly affects relationships between the US and the PRC, as well as our relationships with our allies and partners, and is thereby important in support of national and regional politico-military objectives," the instruction states.
However, the document also limits interactions between the US and Chinese military personnel, providing a list of prohibiteding areas that span a broad range of operations. Providing Chinese officials access to a Pentagon laboratory is forbidden, and discussions of arms sales, military space operations and nuclear operations are also off limits.
The full list of prohibited areas includes:
- Force projection operations
- Nuclear operations
- Advanced combined-arms and joint combat operations
- Advanced logistical operations
- Chemical and biological defense and other capabilities related to weapons of mass destruction
- Surveillance and reconnaissance operations
- Joint war-fighting experiments and other activities related to a transformation in warfare
- Military space operations
- Other advanced capabilities of the armed forces
- Arms sales or military-related technology transfers
- Release of classified or restricted information
- Access to a Department of Defense laboratory
The updated guidance comes amid rising tensions between China and other nations, including the US, over Chinese moves to create new islands in the South China Sea. China has claimed about 2,000 acres of land as part of its territory, a move neighboring nations see as a power grab to increase its control of the region.
At the same time, the Pentagon is refocusing on its so-called rebalance to the Pacific. US Defense Secretary Ash Carter spent a week earlier this summer touring Asia, where he focused on building up the maritime security capabilities of regional allies.
Carter began the trip with a May 27 keynote at Joint Base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, where he sharply rebuked China's recent land grab as disrespectful of "international norms."
"First, we want a peaceful resolution of all disputes, and an immediate and lasting halt to land reclamation by any claimant," Carter said in his prepared remarks. "We also oppose any further militarization of disputed features.
"Second, and there should be no mistake: The United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, as we do all around the world."
Carter also noted Chinese actions have led other nations in the Pacific to turn toward the US as the main security power in the region.
"China's actions are bringing countries in the region together in new ways. And they're increasing demand for American engagement in the Asia-Pacific. We're going to meet it. We will remain the principal security power in the Asia-Pacific for decades to come," he said.
Email: lseligman@defensenews.com
Twitter: @laraseligman
