Hong Kong (CNN) China is assembling an increasingly offensive military and expanding its regional footprint, as Beijing steps up efforts to supplant American military power in Asia, a top US commander warned Congress on Tuesday. Davidson, who in the hearing defended budget requests for billions of dollars of new weaponry in the Pacific, said the increased investment was necessary to deter Chinese military ambition in the region. China is adamant its military is defensive. Asked if it is necessary for the US to defend Taiwan, Davidson said inaction would damage the US' international status and harm its credibility as a defense partner. "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China," Defense Ministry spokesman Senior Col. Wu Qian said in January.

Source: The Nation March 10, 2021 08:26 UTC