Congress to Dissect Pentagon Report on China's Military Development
Tejinder Singh

Washington, D.C.

Congress is set to take a critical view of the ongoing military development in China as was evident from an initial statement released by the Armed Services Committee Chairman, following the release of the Department of Defense 2011 Annual Report to Congress regarding the Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China.

Citing the report as a "critical tool for members of Congress to understand the People's Republic of China's increasingly aggressive military modernization plan, Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, Chairman, Armed Services Committee in a statement noted two things.

"First, Beijing's increasing assertiveness and military capabilities, particularly China's ability to deny access to the western Pacific, is of growing concern not only to the United States but to China's neighbors, leading to changes in the military posture of regional actors," with "significant consequences for the security and stability of the region," the lawmaker said.

"Second, China clearly believes that it can capitalize on the global financial crisis, using the United States' economic uncertainty as a window of opportunity to strengthen China's economic, diplomatic, and security interests," the Congressman added.

Earlier, the Pentagon expressed concern over regional tension brewing as China races to revamp and restructure its military without much transparency in the process according to the Pentagon yearly report submitted to Congress.

Noting that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is on track to build a modern, regionally focussed military by 2020 with progress in several areas including new weapons systems and military exercise activities, the latest report included China's security strategy and military strategy, developments in China's military doctrine and force structure, developments in advanced technologies that would enhance China's military capabilities and the security situation in the Taiwan Strait.

Addressing journalists at the Pentagon, Michael Schiffer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense said that the development was not only affecting Sino-U.S. relationship but also Beijing's regional equations.

One of the reasons for this, Sciffer said was "combination of lack of understanding created by opacity of the (Chinese) system.

Beijing "could begin sea trials in 2011," for the aircraft carrier it bought from Moscow although the carrier does not yet have aircraft, according to the report. Moreover, China has initiated a land-based program to begin training future carrier pilots, the report said.

On the ongoing efforts to launch a domestically produced aircraft carrier, the report noted that it wouldn't be operational until at least 2015, if construction were to start this year. Schiffer predicted that the number of aircraft carriers China would be aiming to develop "likely more than one."

"This is something that doesn't come as any surprise to us," Schiffer said, adding, "Whether or not this proves to be a net plus for the region or for the globe, or proves to be something that has destabilizing effects and raises blood pressure in various regional capitals I think remains to be seen."

On the increasing military might, the report said, "China's sustained modernization program is paying visible dividends," noting, "During 2010, China made strides toward fielding an operational anti-ship ballistic missile, continued work on its aircraft carrier program, and finalized the prototype of its first stealth aircraft."

Answering a question, the assistant secretary said there was "no single capability" that is troubling to the U.S. but the "overall" increase.

The report addressed the challenges arising in the Cyberspace, mentioning that, "In 2010, numerous computer systems around the world, including those owned by the U.S. Government, were the target of intrusions, some of which appear to have originated within (China)."

Noting that these Chinese intrusions were "focused on exfiltrating information," the report did highlight the serious concern about such moves.

On the cross-Strait security balance and Beijing's strategy towards Taiwan, Schiffer said there was "no Silver Bullet" that can change everything in the Taiwan Strait.

The report listed "significant improvements" in the Chinese military buildup but concluded on a note that, "The PLA continues to face deficiencies in inter-service cooperation and actual experience in joint exercises and combat operations."

Schiffer more than once reiterated that the U.S. would continue to encourage China to practice "transparency" in defense matters

Twitter: @ihavenet

Read the latest political news.