China clout likely to grow in Asia: Japan report

Tokyo, Mar 27:China's growing economic strength will give it more clout in Asia, but whether Beijing will be a stabilising force remains to be seen, a Japanese think tank with ties to the Defence Ministry said in a report today.

Japan, which has been patching up ties with China damaged by disputes over wartime history, has long been concerned about its giant neighbour's rising military strength and has called for more transparency on defence spending, but it has repeatedly said it does not view Beijing's growing economic might as a threat.

In an annual report on East Asian strategy, the National Institute for Defence Studies, a government-funded think tank, reiterated concerns about China's military might but said its economic growth might well prove more powerful.

''Backed by its economic growth, China's influence in East Asia is likely to grow more than ever,'' the report said.

''However, it is not yet clear whether China will choose to act as a responsible power in the international community within the existing order, or will attempt to establish a China-centred new order in the region,'' it added.

China's growing diplomatic influence was also noted, especially in regional groups such as the Association of Southeast Asian nations, with the report citing Beijing's support for development projects in Asia.

''Whereas China's cooperative behaviour is welcomed by East Asian countries, it is still worth watching whether China will be a stabilising force in the long run,'' the report added.

China, seeking to modernise its huge but often poorly equipped military force of over 2 million personnel so it can extend its strategic reach, earlier this month announced a 17.8 per cent rise in its official defence budget for 2007.

Beijing has said the spending increase would not constitute a threat to any country, but some in the region want more explanation -- a call the report echoed.

''China has a responsibility to explain its defence policies,'' it added.

Reuters