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New Chinese leader sends alarming signals to neighbours
Ashok Tuteja/TNS

New Delhi, December 12
In what is bound to further increase tension between Beijing and its neighbours over territorial and maritime disputes, new Chinese Communist party leader chief Xi Jinping, who assumed the role of military chief about a month ago, called on the 2.3-million-strong People's Liberation Army (PLA) to "push forward preparations for a military struggle".

His statement came even as U.S. and Philippine officials were discussing ways to increase number of U.S. military ships, aircraft and troops rotating through the Philippines obviously to tackle any threat from Beijing.

Though he made no direct reference to China’s disputes with India or any other neighbour, Xi, who is set to take over as the Chinese President in March 2013, asked his troops to prepare for a struggle. He made the comments during his visit to a South China Sea fleet ship in southern Guangdong province, Xinhua said.

Meanwhile, senior US and Philippine officials met today in Manila to discuss strengthening security and economic ties at a time of growing tension over China's aggressive sovereignty claims over vast stretches of the disputed South China Sea. Chinese observers here say this is not the first time that China has indirectly threatened its neighbours over territorial and maritime disputes. What, however, has come as a surprise is the fact that Li has displayed his aggressive designs even before he has formally assumed the office of the President.

Indian officials said they were constantly monitoring the developments over the South China Sea and Beijing’s ctough stance over the issue.