Part 3/7:
China's military evolution, particularly its navy, has been significant. The speaker affirms that China is transitioning toward a "blue water" navy—capable of operating globally—reflecting a desire to project interests beyond regional confines. The development of the navy is seen as a natural progression aligned with China's broader ambitions and is already underway, evidenced by the deployment of task forces to strategic areas like the Gulf of Aden by 2008.
He challenges the narrative that China seeks military dominance at any cost, instead framing its military advancements as strategic and defensive, aimed at protecting its interests and contributing to global peace.