US says China's military has seen secret expansion

A new report from the US defence department says the growth of China's military is shrouded in secrecy.

This is dangerous, the Pentagon report says, as it gives rise to misunderstandings and raises the risks of potential conflict.

The annual study notes that China has extended its military advantage over Taiwan.

The report contains no dramatic new data but confirms US concerns about the rapid growth of China's military might. ...

"Current trends in China's military capabilities are a major factor in changing East Asian military balances and could provide China with a force capable of conducting a range of military operations in Asia well beyond Taiwan," it said.

The report alleges this reach could go beyond traditional boundaries of Okinawa in Japan and the South China Sea to Guam, mainland Japan and the Philippines.

In March this year, China said it would increase its defence budget by 7.5% to 532.1 billion yuan ($77.9bn, £50bn), less than the usual double-digit increases.

The US annual military budget is about $700bn (£448bn).

The Pentagon said it wanted dialogue with China to avoid any "miscalculation" between the two militaries.

via BBC News - US says China's military has seen secret expansion.