US may delay annual report on China's military power

Washington, Mar 4(ANI): The United States is likely to postpone the release of its annual report on China's military power, which is being seen as a bid to smoothen strained ties with Beijing after US President Barack Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama.

According to certain media reports, the annual report may be delayed until May, to pave the way for Chinese President Hu Jintao's likely visit to Washington in April to attend a global nuclear security summit.

US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and Senior White House adviser for Asian Affairs Jeffrey Bader are currently in Beijing on a trip that some analysts have said is aimed at mending the relation between the two countries.

The report on China's military might is a publication of the US Department of Defense, and provides an appraisal of Beijing's military power and strategy.

It has been annually proposed to the US Congress some time around March since 2001, and has always angered Beijing.

The US Treasury Department is also believed to delay the publication of a report on the international economy and exchange rate policies, scheduled for April, until after Hu's likely trip, in order to assuage Chinese concerns on the prickly issue of exchange rates. (ANI)