1、TestimonyThinking Smarter About DefenseJANUARY 27,2011CHINAS ACTIVE DEFENSE STRATEGY AND ITS REGIONAL IMPLICATIONSTESTIMONY BEFORE THE U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSIONJim ThomasVice President for StudiesMr.Chairman and Members of the Commission,thank you for inviting me to testify
2、at todays hearing.I will focus my remarks on Chinas recent actions and statements pertaining to the South China Sea and their implications for Southeast Asia.In my testimony today,I will briefl y outline elements of recent Chinese behavior that are cause for concern in Southeast Asia and summarize t
3、he reactions of various Southeast Asian states.I will then propose measures the United States might consider to help bolster the defenses of Southeast Asian countries and assist them in ensuring their sovereignty,while preserving a stable military balance in the region.Strategic ImplicationsThis Com
4、missions work is critical because the stakes in the South China Sea could not be higher.The South China Sea is a region of growing strategic interest for many countries in the world,including the United States.More than one-third of the worlds seaborne trade fl ows through its contested waters.Its f