Carter targets China in Annapolis speech

Defense Secretary Ash Carter focused the U.S. rebalance to the Asia Pacific during a Friday commencement speech at the U.S. Naval Academy, specifically targeting China's increasingly active military posture in the South China Sea.

The Asia Pacific is the "most vital to our future . . . and the one that will likely define many of your careers," Carter told the midshipmen.

"China has suggested that we separate the issues involved in the South China Sea from our broader relationship. But the United States can do no such thing," he continued. "China's actions there challenge fundamental principles, and we're not going to look the other way."

Carter said China's cyber theft operations and "expansive and unprecedented actions" to establish artificial islands in the South China Sea represented "growing risk to the region's prosperous future."

China's actions, he said, could "erect a Great Wall of self-isolation, as countries across the region -- allies, partners, and the unaligned -- are voicing concerns publicly and privately, at the highest levels, in regional meetings, and global fora. Such a model reflects the region's distant past, rather than the principled future we all want for the Asia Pacific."

The secretary also highlighted ongoing Defense Department investments in weapon systems intended for the Asia Pacific.

"DOD's budget invests significantly in payloads and platforms critical to the rebalance, like the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, the Virginia-class submarines, new undersea drones, as well as in areas like cyber, electronic warfare, and space," he said.

"I want to be clear: our vision for the future of the region is not at odds with the interests of China or any other country," Carter continued. "Indeed, we welcome the emergence of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous China that plays a responsible role in world affairs. The United States doesn't seek confrontation with China. We have many shared interests, and a productive and broad relationship, including long-standing military-to-military ties. Ties we hope to strengthen."