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The Pentagon finally published the long waited annual report to congress on the military power of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on Tuesday (19th July). The report was said to have been completed some time ago, but its release has been postponed several times due to different opinions on the rise of China within the U.S. government.
As always, the tone of the Pentagon's annual report on China's military power is seen by many as an indication of Washington’s view, or at least from Pentagon’s perspective, on China.
The report says that the rapid rise of China as a regional political and economic power with global aspirations is one of the principal elements in the emergence of East Asia.
United States welcomes the rise of a peaceful and prosperous China, it says, China is at a strategic crossroads, and choices made by Beijing will have significant implications not just for Sino-US relations, but also for the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world.
“China has deployed some 650-730 mobile CSS-6 and CSS-7 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) to garrisons opposite Taiwan. Deployment of these systems is increasing at a rate of about 100 missiles per year. Newer versions of these missiles feature improved range and accuracy,” the report claims, “China is exploring the use of ballistic missiles for anti-access/sea-denial missions.”
The report says that China continues to acquire advanced fighter aircraft such as Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2 from Russia, while its indigenous 4th generation fighter F-10 will begin fielding this year. China is acquiring from abroad or developing advanced precision strike munitions, including cruise missiles and air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-radiation munitions.
“China’s naval forces include 64 major surface combatants, some 55 attack submarines, more than 40 medium and heavy amphibious lift vessels, and approximately 50 coastal missile patrol craft. Two-thirds of these assets are located in the East and South Sea fleets.”
The Pentagon report says Chinese defence spending could be up to US$90 billion this year, more than twice the estimated figure given by Beijing.
Over the long term, says the Pentagon, if current trends persist, the Chinese military could pose a credible threat to other modern militaries operating in the region.
The report says, China does not now face a direct threat from another nation. Yet, it continues to invest heavily in its military, particularly in programs designed to improve power projection. The pace and scope of China’s military build-up are, already, such as to put regional military balances at risk. Current trends in China’s military modernisation could provide China with a force capable of prosecuting a range of military operations in Asia – well beyond Taiwan – potentially posing a credible threat to modern militaries operating in the region.
China refused the Pentagon’s comments on its military build up in the report, calling it “groundless” and “cold war mentality”.
Read the full report here
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20 July 2005
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