China is exploiting its economic leverage to advance its regional political objectives. A top US commander said this in Washington while expressing concern over the People's Liberation Army's (PLA'S) growing assertiveness in the strategic Asia-Pacific region. <br/><br/>General Paul Selva of the US Air Force said yesterday that the modernisation of China's PLA emphasises the development of capabilities with the potential to degrade core US military-technological advantages.<br/><br/>Noting that a long-term, sustained presence is critical to demonstrating that America is committed to the Asia Pacific region, Selva said the US will continue to develop a security network through multilateral partnerships. <br/><br/>According to Selva, China's leaders remain focused on developing the capabilities to increase its regional influence and to counter any third-party intervention – including by the United States – during a crisis or conflict.<br/><br/>Selva's comments came as a key Senate committee called for continued US engagement in the Asia Pacific region to maintain its security and stability in wake of the increased Chinese aggressiveness and military buildup in the area.<br/><br/>China claims nearly all of the strategically vital waterway, despite counter-claims from the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. The PLA has also built several artificial islands in the area and militarised some of them.