China warns US over new Asia-Pacific military strategy
China has warned the United States over its new military strategy, which includes a shift in focus to the Asia-Pacific region.
The plan for a new, "leaner" military was unveiled Thursday by President Barack Obama at the Pentagon.
Xinhua, the Chinese government's news agency, cautioned the US military against acting "like a bull in a china shop," but said the new strategy could help China by creating a "peaceful environment" in the region.
The Xinhua editorial warned the US against "flexing its muscles":
[T]he United States is welcome to make more contribution to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, but its possible militarism will cause a lot of ill will and meet with strong opposition in the world's most dynamic region.
More from GlobalPost: Obama, at Pentagon, unveils new military strategy (VIDEO)
Obama on Thursday announced a plan that will include about $450 billion in cuts to the military over the next decade, The New York Times reported.
Obama said that while the US military is in a "moment of transition" after a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States will "maintain our military superiority."
The Xinhua editorial also warned the US against heavy-handed "militarism":
If the United States indiscreetly applies militarism in the region, it will be like a bull in a china shop, and endanger peace instead of enhancing regional stability.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday that the sizes of the US Army and Marine Corps will be reduced, but Special Forces troops will increase in size, USA Today reported.
The review of the nation’s military budget was announced last year by former defense secretary Robert Gates.
More from GlobalPost: Military budget cuts: Defense Secretary Panetta to introduce revamped defense strategy