Chinese military plays down troubled relation with India

, April 17: The Chinese

has issued a white paper accusing the US of causing tension in the Asia-Pacific region and naming Japan as a mischief-maker while playing down Beijing's troubled relation with India over border issues. It also revealed details of

's enormous military might. Some of the information related to the country's military prowess has been released for the first time.

The report issued by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Tuesday complained that the neighbouring countries were creating tensions and the indications were particularly towards Japan, a maritime neighbour of Beijing, which the report accused of creating problems over the Diaoyu islands. The white paper on 'The Diversified Employment of China's Armed Forces' said the country was still facing multiple and complicated security challenges.

India found a little mention in the paper and even joint exercises conducted between the military of the two big neighbours did not find any detailed discussion. Though China's military exchanges with other neighbours like Vietnam, South Korea and Pakistan were s specifically mentioned in the paper.

The paper said some countries were strengthening their Asia-Pacific military alliances, expanding military presence in the region and were making the situation there tense. Experts read it as a reference towards the USA's expansion in the seas near South Korea, Vietnam and Japan.

Chinese defence ministry sources said certain efforts to highlight a military agenda and strengthen military alliances in the region are not in tune with the common interest and that such actions were detrimental to the cause of peace and stability in the region.

The paper said the Chinese army had 8,50,000 officers while the navy and the airforce comprised 2,35,000 and 3,98,000 officers, respectively. The air force also has an air command in seven military areas while the navy is in charge of three fleets. The white paper also mentioned the role of China's second artillery force, which comprises the nuclear and conventional missile power.

OneIndia News