Pentagon cautions on China military might

Pentagon cautions on China military might

CHINA'S military build-up could be "potentially destabilising" in the Asia-Pacific region, the Pentagon said as it released its annual report on the country's military, which estimates the nation's annual spending on its armed forces at $US160 billion ($153bn).

The unprecedented military modernisation project by Asia's most powerful country has already seen the emergence of its first aircraft carrier and stealth fighter jet this year - but cyber warfare is rising as a critical issue.

"China's 2010 defence white paper asserts that China's future and destiny have never been more closely connected with those of the international community," says the report, Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2011.

"Nonetheless, China's modernised military could be put to use in ways that increase China's ability to gain diplomatic advantage or resolve disputes in its favour."

The report notes that China is developing anti-ship missiles that could target aircraft carriers while expanding the naval fleet.

"Over the past decade, China's military has benefited from robust investment in modern hardware and technology. Many modern systems have reached maturity and others will become operational in the next few years," the report says.

Deputy Secretary of Defence of East Asia Michael Shiffer described the build-up as "potentially destabilising".

The report also states that developing capabilities for cyber-warfare is consistent with authoritative PLA military writings.

The report came as Chinese state television broadcast footage of what appeared to be a military institute demonstrating software designed to attack US websites.

Andrew Erickson and Gabe Collins's China SignPost analytical service, which specialises in military issues, said the 10-second segment was part of a longer report on cyber security.

China has asserted that it doesn't use cyber attacks but earlier this year admitted it had a "Blue Army" focused on the internet. Its scope was domestic, not international, Beijing said.

State-run Chinese media criticised the Pentagon report mainly for its discussion of Taiwan, which China considers a rogue province, not a separate country.

"The 94-page report, as usual, interferes with the internal issue of China by making wilful comments on the situation across Taiwan Straits," the Xinhua news agency said.

The US must reach a decision on whether to sell Taiwan new F-16 fighter planes by October 1 but there have been reports that they may retrofit ageing planes instead.

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Edited August 25, 201114 yr by akootha