Decoding China's 'NATO approach' strategy

China's decision to hold joint naval exercises with Russia in the Baltic Sea for the first time may be related to a military strategy proposed by a famous Chinese marshal during World War II, Sputnik quoted experts as saying.

The first phase of the China-Russia naval exercise in the Baltic Sea, Joint Sea 2017, began on July 21 and is expected to last until July 28, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The exercise involved nearly 10 ships of all types, more than a dozen planes and helicopters from the two navies.

Photo: Sputnik

Present in the Chinese fleet for this exercise are the guided missile destroyer Hefei, the frigate Yuncheng, the supply ship Loumahu, and helicopters taking off from the ships.

The exercise marks the first time a Chinese fleet has entered the Baltic Sea and comes at a time when Beijing is looking to boost its navy's ability to conduct missions far away.

China's decision to send naval vessels as far away as the Baltic Sea, which is the front line of NATO expansion toward Russia's borders, may have its roots in a Chinese military strategy called "fanbian," coined by a prominent Chinese military leader during World War II, military experts say.

"As the US continues its activities in the South China Sea, China has responded by participating in naval exercises with Russia at NATO's gateway in the Baltic Sea. This is called the "fanbian" strategy that was once used by Marshal Luo Ronghuan, said Ni Lexiong, a military expert at the University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai.

During World War II, Chinese troops under Luo's leadership were surrounded on almost all sides by Japanese forces in Shandong Province, eastern China. Instead of engaging the enemy, which outnumbered him by 10 to one, Luo decided to attack a neighboring city, behind enemy lines, that was not heavily defended, to change direction. The surprise attack allowed the general's 3,000 soldiers to retreat to safety without suffering any casualties. Luo described the strategy as "fanbian," meaning to change sides.

Shanghai-based military experts believe that China is now using the same "fanbian" strategy by sending ships to the Baltic Sea. This action is similar to a military shift to counter US pressure in the South China Sea. Last May, US ships entered disputed areas between China and some neighboring countries.

The current international situation and common strategic interests have brought China and Russia closer together, Ni said. "Currently, China and Russia are leaning on each other's backs. They need to lean on each other to cope with hostility from all sides," the military expert commented, adding that the two countries are trying to keep each other warm by sticking together.

Historically, as an agricultural country, China has never had a strong navy, and it has not been a major force for China's prosperity. The Ming emperors' efforts to build a strong navy cost the state a lot of money and shortened the reign of the emperors by nearly 100 years, Ni argues.

However, after more than 30 years of economic boom, China's maritime interests have continued to expand, and the sea lanes passing through the Strait of Malacca are considered a lifeline for China's economy. More than 80% of China's crude oil imports from the Middle East and Africa must pass through this route. As a result, Chinese leaders are determined to build a strong navy to protect the country's economic interests, Ni explained.

Analysts say China is sending a strong global message with joint naval exercises in the Baltic Sea.

“The Baltic exercises allow China to send a message that it is a global power. China can do the same in European waters, as European powers (Britain and France) do in the Asia-Pacific,” said James Goldrick, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute for International Policy, who served in the Royal Australian Navy for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2012.

According to VNN