US fears over China's military expansion
The US says the Chinese authorities are secretive
Also In The News
|
Michael Owen made his international return as England B beat Albania 3-1 at Turf Moor. |  |
Saturday, 26, May 2007 11:30
The US government has expressed concern over China's military expansion, which it claims is shrouded by secrecy.
In its annual report to congress on the extent of the Asian nation's military might, the Pentagon highlights estimates that Chinese expenditure on defence capabilities may be two to three times greater than the figure officially disclosed by the country.
The Chinese government announced last March that it was increasing its annual defence budget by 14.7 per cent on the previous year, bringing total spending to about $35 billion (£17.6 million).
But the Pentagon warns that China's leaders have "yet to adequately explain" the purpose of the country's military expansion and stress that the communist nation appears to be acquiring capabilities which would give it the option of using force beyond its shores.
China has previously insisted that its military build-up is for defensive purposes, but US defence chiefs warn in the report that the country is developing new capabilities which would increase the ability of the nation's leaders to use force to achieve their strategic objectives.
The study warns that while China's military modernisation has previously focused on its diplomatic dispute with Taiwan over the island's sovereignty, evidence suggests that the country is also adopting capabilities which would enable it to "project power" beyond the region.
It refers to China's increased ability to launch pre-emptive strikes and refers to fears over China's preparations to deploy a mobile, land-based ballistic missile with a range which would supposedly mean it was capable of reaching the US.
The report also highlights the development of a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, equipped with ballistic missiles capable of reaching achieving a range of more than 8,000km (5,000 miles).
"The purposes to which China could apply its current and future military power remain uncertain to the United States and countries in the region, owing to China's lack of transparency," the study concludes.
"As China's military power grows, its leaders' options increase with respect to the use of coercion to press diplomatic advantage, advance interests, or resolve disputes," US lawmakers are warned.
Speaking ahead of the report's publication on Friday, US defence secretary Robert Gates said it would be "nice to hear firsthand" from the Chinese how the country was developing its military capabilities.
"We wish that there were greater transparency, that they would talk more about what their intentions are, what their strategies are," he told reporters.
However some analysts have stressed that China's growing military might remains relatively modest in comparison to the country's burgeoning population and booming economy.
"There really isn't much in China's military programmes that would lead you to the conclusion that they want to do anything beyond being influential in east Asia," said Loren Thompson, a defence analyst at the US-based Lexington Institute.