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China to US: Don't 'Flex Your Muscles' Here

Beijing responds to Obama's military plan

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 6, 2012 9:57 AM CST

(Newser) – China has offered a mixed response to President Obama's big military announcement yesterday. While state media seemed to welcome the idea of an increased American presence in the Asia-Pacific region, it added that the US "should abstain from flexing its muscles, as this won't help solve regional disputes." Any "indiscreetly" applied militarism would "be like a bull in a china shop, and endanger peace instead of enhancing regional stability."

But the Xinhua editorial noted that US presence could help ensure a "peaceful environment" and help China's economy grow. The piece comes after Obama said the US would "be strengthening our presence in the Asia-Pacific." While Chinese officials probably weren't surprised by the plan, some might view it as an effort to restrict Chinese growth, the BBC notes.

President Barack Obama, accompanied by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, and others, speaks on the Defense Strategic Review, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

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China to US: Don't 'Flex Your Muscles' Here

Beijing responds to Obama's military plan

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