'China's military build-up causes concern'

Washington, May 24 : China is continuing to increase its military capabilities that have altered the regional military balance and caused concern about its future intentions, according to a new report from the US Department of Defence.

The report, mandated by the US Congress, said ''China is increasing its force of short-range ballistic missiles that could attack Taiwan and other regional targets and looking to develop more advanced and capable aircraft and ships.'' According to the report, China is not only rapidly extending its military reach, but is also buying more ''long-range'' aircraft and weapons that would allow it to compete with the United States and potentially pose a threat to other countries in the region.

The report, which is in response to the FY2000 National Defence Authorisation Act, addresses China's grand strategy, security strategy, and military strategy--developments in China's military doctrine and force structure including developments in advanced technologies and security situation in the Taiwan Strait.

The report also addresses the current and future course of military-technological development on the People's Liberation Army through the next 20 years.

China's growing military is a ''top concern'' as the US shapes ''long-range'' defence strategy. Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld and other US military officials have repeatedly asked China to provide more disclosure about its military capability and be more open about its strategic intentions.

''China's strategic Nuclear forces modernisation, land and sea-based access denial capabilities besides emerging precision-strike weapons, have the potential to pose credible threats to modern militaries,'' the report said.

''The pace and scope of China's military modernisation are among facets of the buildup that have surprised US analysts,'' the 58-page Pentagon report said.

China is also increasing its high-technology ability to disrupt other countries' access to communications, computer networks and other services essential to modern defence and society as a whole.

Assistant Secretary of Defence Peter Rodman said China appeared to be preparing to project its military power beyond its immediate surroundings.

The report says such contingencies could involve conflicts over territory or resources. Last year's report on China came to a similar conclusion. But this year, the report adds that US analysts have been ''surprised'' by ''the pace and scope'' of the modernisation of China's strategic forces.

Mr Rodman said ''Chinese officials are also discussing possible revisions in their defence doctrines, including their pledge not to be the first to use Nuclear weapons in any conflict.'' ''The US accepts Chinese assurances that the 'no first use' doctrine is still in effect, but his concern on Nuclear doctrine and China's growing military capability is for the future,'' Mr Rodman said.

The Assistant Secretary said, the US concerns were heightened because, although it had made some progress towards more openness, China continued to provide very limited information on its military programmes and intentions, at a time when its military spending was increasing rapidly.

UNI