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Pentagon voices concern over China's military power

by Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) March 3, 2008
An annual Pentagon report on China on Monday said Beijing's lack of transparency posed risks to stability, voicing concern over how it would use expanding military power.

China was developing missiles capable of striking aircraft carriers and other warships at sea, has tested an anti-satellite weapon and fielded new intercontinental ballistic missiles, the report said.

"Much uncertainty surrounds China's future course, in particular in the area of its expanding military power and how that power might be used," it added.

The report said the international community has limited knowledge of the motivations, decision-making and key capabilities that supports China's military modernization.

"The lack of transparency in China's military and security affairs poses risks to stability by increasing the potential for misunderstanding and miscalculation," it said.

"This situation will naturally lead to hedging against the unknown," it said.

It said preparations for contingencies in the Taiwan Strait, including the possibility of US intervention in a crisis, was driving its military modernization effort over the near term.

"However, analysis of China's military acquisitions and strategic thinking suggests Beijing is also developing capabilities for use in other contingencies such as conflict over resources or disputed territories," it said.

The report said the pace and scope of China's military transformation have increased in recent years, fueled by acquisition of foreign weapons, high rates of investment in defense and science and technology industries, and far reaching reforms of its military.

"China's expanding and improving military capabilities are changing East Asian military balances; improvements in China's strategic capabilities have implications beyond the Asia-Pacific region," the report said.

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British FM says China must prove itself 'responsible'
Beijing (AFP) Feb 29, 2008
China risks a wave of protectionism unless it proves itself a "responsible" nation, British Foreign Secretary David Milliband said Friday as he completed a five-day tour of the Asian giant.







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