China to Extend Military Reach, Build Lighthouses in Disputed Waters

The Chinese Air Force will become an offensive overseas force for the first time as China’s military extends its reach, according to a Chinese government paper published yesterday.

The paper, from China’s State Council, comes a day after government-run newspaper The Global Times published an editorial warning that “a U.S.-China war is inevitable” if America continues to oppose China’s expansion in the South China Sea.

China’s new policy paper instructs all branches of the military to project power beyond China’s borders and to become more assertive. China claims it owns the South China Sea, and it has warned the United States against sending surveillance aircraft over the area.

The new Chinese stance has prompted several analysts to warn of the possibility of a conflict in the area.