Hale, too, expressed his anxiety over the defense cuts, as did some other speakers such as former deputy defense secretary Paul Wolfwitz.

China is frequently called the biggest threat to the US. When Hale talked about the future threat in Asia, he specifically included "the threat from China".

I am not aware that the Obama administration has so publicly labeled China an adversary. All I have heard in the past is that China is increasingly both a partner and competitor. And that does not mean the existing power and rising power will clash militarily, as some suggest, citing examples from history.

That is why Hagel, who dares to speak the truth, argues for restraint of US military power, and who is willing to work with the US' adversaries, such as Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah, is a great candidate for the defense secretary's job.

With military sequestration looming on March 1, the defense industry and their proxies will definitely try to make more noise to justify a hefty military budget. Meanwhile, the debate about spending on education, job training, renewable energy and helping the poor has already been suppressed.

China should never be blinded and duped by US defense lobbyists into participating in a wasteful arms race with the US. If we do, the whole nation will be sucked into a bottomless pit. That is why someone holding rational views like Hagel could help cool the confrontational rhetoric that is pleasing to the defense industries but detrimental to the welfare of the people in China, the US and the rest of the world.

It will be interesting to observe how rough a ride Hagel will get in his confirmation hearing amid the US' dysfunctional politics.

The author, based in Washington, is deputy editor of China Daily USA. E-mail: chenweihua@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/11/2013 page8)