Chinese military sets course to expand global reach as ‘national interests’ grow

Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in a photo taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft this month. (Handout/Reuters)

By Simon Denyer-May 26 

BEIJING — China said Tuesday that it plans to extend its global military reach to safeguard its economic interests, while defending its territorial claims at sea against “provocative actions” by neighbors and “meddling” by the United States.

The U.S. Navy released this video showing flight operations aboard a P-8A Poseidon over the South China Sea on May 20, 2015. During the flight, the crew documented several warnings issued by China’s navy to leave the area. (U.S. Navy)

Chinese Military Sets Course to Expand Global Reach as ‘National Interests’ Grow by Thavam Ratna