Munich Security Conference: Admiral Paparo’s Stark Message on US National Security & CCP’s Challenge

  • February 20, 2024
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Munich Security Conference: Admiral Paparo’s Stark Message on US National Security & CCP’s Challenge

Introduction on Munich Security Conference:

The Munich Security Conference, held annually in Germany, is a prominent forum for global leaders to discuss pressing international security issues. The 2023 conference was marked by a significant presence of Chinese delegates, eager to mend ties with the European Union and the United States. However, the United States has made its stance clear: decoupling and severing ties with China is the only viable path forward. The European Union, too, is moving towards severing ties with China, leaving Beijing isolated and desperate.

In his speech at the conference, Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, delivered a powerful message, outlining the grave threat posed by China to American security, freedom, and prosperity. He emphasized that the world is descending into chaos and disorder, with nations engaging in reckless actions that are not coincidental but rather orchestrated by malicious actors.

CCP’s Destabilizing Influence

Admiral Aquilino specifically highlighted a conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Xi expressed his desire to “push forward a new era of major change” alongside Putin. This statement underscores China’s ambition to reshape the international order in its favor, challenging American dominance.

Aquilino emphasized that China is the only country with both the intent and the capability to reshape the international order. Its actions in the Indo-Pacific region, including its expansionist claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea, are a clear indication of its aggressive intentions.

The Importance of Alliances

To counter China’s growing influence, the United States is strengthening its alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. Aquilino outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes enhancing cooperation with South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Information Revolution and Cognitive Warfare

Aquilino also emphasized the critical role of information warfare in the modern era. He stated that those who can harness data, computing power, and artificial intelligence effectively will prevail on the battlefield. He warned that China is actively engaged in cognitive warfare, attempting to influence American public opinion and undermine national security.

America’s Resolve

Despite the challenges posed by China, Aquilino expressed confidence in America’s ability to prevail. He stressed the importance of deterrence and the need to build and demonstrate military capabilities that will dissuade China from aggression.

Conclusion

Admiral Aquilino’s speech serves as a stark warning about the threat posed by China to the United States and the international order. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy that includes strengthening alliances, investing in information warfare capabilities, and maintaining a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Only by taking these steps can the United States ensure its national security and preserve the rules-based order that has underpinned global stability for decades.

Analysis and Commentary

Admiral Aquilino’s speech at the Munich Security Conference was a significant event, signaling a major shift in US policy towards China. The speech outlined a clear and comprehensive strategy for countering China’s growing influence and protecting American interests.

One of the key takeaways from the speech is the emphasis on strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States cannot hope to counter China’s challenge alone. It needs to work closely with its allies and partners to build a collective front against Chinese aggression.

Another important aspect of the speech is the recognition of the importance of information warfare. China is actively engaged in cognitive warfare, attempting to influence American public opinion and undermine national security. The United States must invest in its information warfare capabilities to counter this threat.

Finally, Admiral Aquilino’s speech underscores the need for a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States must maintain a robust military presence in the region to deter Chinese aggression and reassure its allies.

The Munich Security Conference was a watershed moment in US-China relations. Admiral Aquilino’s speech sent a clear message that the United States is committed to countering China’s challenge and preserving the rules-based international order.

1. https://twitter.com/ianellisjones/status/1759394360863363490 (“We are in the midst of a strategic competition to shape the future of the international order.”)

2. https://twitter.com/nuomt/status/1759471515282886727 (合集：美军太平洋舰队司令，帕帕罗海军上将演讲)

3. https://twitter.com/israellim5/status/1759529913361871088 (近日，中国著名经济学者格隆分析中国经济现状的一段视频，从中国网络社群中传出，但很快就被删除了。)

4. https://www.rfi.fr/cn/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20240218-%E5%89%8D%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E9%A9%BB%E5%8D%8E%E5%A4%A7%E4%BD%BF%E6%8C%87%E4%B9%A0%E8%BF%91%E5%B9%B3%E4%B8%8A%E5%8F%B0%E5%89%8D%E5%90%8E%E5%88%A4%E8%8B%A5%E4%B8%A4%E4%BA%BA-%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E5%BA%94%E4%B8%BA%E5%90%8E%E4%B9%A0%E6%97%B6%E4%BB%A3%E5%87%86%E5%A4%87 (前日本驻华大使指习近平上台前后判若两人 日本应为后习时代准备)

5. https://news.sina.cn/gj/2024-02-19/detail-inaiqhck5297760.d.html?vt=4&pos=108 (新加坡防长：若中美发生冲突会让未来30年都黯淡无光)

6. https://hqtime.huanqiu.com/article/4GeFjXWdOoG (面对西方政客提问，傅莹慕安会上回应，信息量很大！)

7. https://m.163.com/dy/article/IR9U9PVL0514R9OJ.html?clickfrom=subscribe&spss=adap_pc (孙培松：美国真正的致命挑战是内部分裂)

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJOb6SLT9rQ （021424 0830 WEST24 Hall D Keynote Adm Paparo）

9. 习近平与普京道别说: “这也真是百年变局之一部分，我们共同来推动”。 https://twitter.com/bbcchinese/status/1638503143272054786

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