China 'extending military reach'

Beijing has been critical of similar reports in the past, 
saying they hurt bilateral relations [EPA]

Source: Al Jazeera
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/08/201081733121585238.html

China has increased spending on its military and expanded the reach of its military operations abroad, according to a new report from the US defence department.

The report (pdf), an annual study sent to the US congress, estimated China's military spending in 2009 at $150bn, an increase of roughly 7.5 per cent from the previous year.

Some of China's expanded military efforts have been positive, the report found.

"Some of these missions and associated capabilities have allowed the [Chinese army] to contribute to international peacekeeping efforts, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," the report said. "[But] others appear designed to improve the [army's] ability for extended-range power projection."

Taiwan remains a particular area of focus. The Chinese army upgraded many of the more than 1,000 short-range missiles aimed across the Taiwan Strait, the report found.

"China continues to deploy many of its most advanced systems to the military regions opposite Taiwan," it said.

But China has also expanded its military operations beyond its immediate territory, like carrying out anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden.

'Dangerous Risk'

The study also said that China has an active program to build aircraft carriers, and that construction on the first one could begin later this year. It also reported that China plans to expand its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

The report concluded that "many uncertainties remain regarding how China will use its expanding military capabilities".

Ike Skelton, the chairman of the armed services committee in the US house of representatives, called for greater transparency from the Chinese army.

The lack of communication raises "a dangerous risk that miscommunication and misperception between the US and China could lead to a miscalculation," Skelton said in a statement.

China has not yet commented on the report. But Beijing sharply criticized a similar report last year, saying it had a "baneful influence" on ties between the US and China.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries have been strained for several months: China froze military relations with the US in January after Washington announced a sale of helicopters, missiles and other military gear to Taiwan.

Despite the rapid growth, China's military spending remains just a small fraction of the US defense budget, which this year topped $660bn.