CHINA'S drive to transform itself into a major military power is being pursued in a secretive manner that 'increases the potential for misunderstanding' and military conflict with other nations, according to a new Pentagon report.
The Defense Department's annual assessment released on Monday says that Beijing is upgrading its hefty arsenal of land-based missiles, modernizing its nuclear forces and expanding its fleet of attack submarines.
Among the findings in the Pentagon report is that China has as many as 1,150 short-range ballistic missiles and is acquiring an unknown number of medium-range missiles. China also is developing artillery systems with the ability to strike across the Taiwan Strait, the report states.
The effort comes as China has suspended military-to-military talks with the US, which could reassure the US about the motives behind Beijing's military builup.
US-China relations have been particularly strained in recent months, as China rejected the results of an investigation blaming North Korea for the sinking of a South Korean warship. China's military buildup also is seen as a threat to the US ability to defend Taiwan.
The congressionally mandated report does not contain any surprises. It has long been known that China - emerging as a world economic powerhouse - is pouring billions of dollars into offensive and defensive military capabilities to protect its regional interests.
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