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China Arms Buildup "Alarming"

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    China Arms Buildup "Alarming"

    Hmm, a major, major arms build-up, spying on the US at record levels, nuclear bunkers in Shanghai....., what could they be up to eh?


    China arms buildup 'alarming'

    By Sara A. Carter
    February 21, 2008

    China is using billions of American trade dollars to modernize its military force — from purchasing foreign weapons systems and technologies to building its own ships, planes and missiles — a top lawmaker and his colleagues say.

    As top U.S. military officials questioned China's intentions in expanding its military last week, ranking House Armed Services Committee member Rep. Duncan Hunter, California Republican, said the reality is that "China is stepping into the superpower shoes left behind by the former Soviet Union."

    "China is increasing its production and acquisition of military technology at an alarming rate, and they are doing it with American trade dollars," he added.

    Rep. Tim Ryan, Ohio Democrat, who is writing a trade-reform bill with Mr. Hunter, cited the U.S. record deficit with China as further evidence that action is needed on countries that unfairly manipulate their currencies.

    China's economic growth has enabled it to sustain a trend of double-digit increases in defense spending. In March 2007, China also announced it would increase its annual defense budget by nearly 18 percent over the previous year to $45 billion.

    Military officials said this figure is a low estimate of China's overall defense spending. A recent Department of Defense annual report, "The Military Power of the People's Republic of China," estimated that China's total military-related defense spending is more likely in the range of $85 billion to $125 billion.

    China received the second of two Russian-made Sovremenny II guided-missile destroyers fitted with anti-ship cruise missiles in late 2006 — providing China with a capability to challenge American aircraft carriers.

    The report states that the Chinese government is also negotiating with the Russians on submarines, such as the Kilo-class diesel submarine; a battalion of S-300PMU-2 surface-to-air missile systems with an intercept range of about 125 miles; AWACS aircraft with air-to-air refueling capability; sophisticated communications equipment among other aircraft and defense systems.

    Last week, Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of the U.S. forces in Asia, told Chinese officials during a visit to explain the intentions behind their expanding military power, adding that "transparency" is not enough.

    Adm. Gary Roughead, the former Pacific Fleet commander, echoed Adm. Keating's concerns, telling reporters that as China's navy is becoming increasingly stronger, the Asian nation's "intent" becomes more imperative.

    The loss of American manufacturing jobs, however, only heightens the issue, said Mr. Ryan, citing the $256 billion annual trade deficit on goods with China.

    "Our economy is at risk of recession, we continue to lose manufacturing jobs and we need to have the courage to do something real about it," he said.
    Link
    Last edited by ferret; 25 February 2008, 15:41. Reason: No massive fonts please, have asked you before...

    #2
    Larger font != more alarming

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by Nicky G View Post
      Hmm, a major, major arms build-up, spying on the US at record levels, nuclear bunkers in Shanghai....., what could they be up to eh?




      Link

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by basshead View Post
        Larger font != more alarming
        Does bold then mean "fook me"?
        "If you can read this, thank a teacher....and since it's in English, thank a soldier"

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by basshead View Post
          Larger font != more alarming
          I made it tiny
          my ferret is your ferret

          Comment


            #6
            I have a buildup of gas after my curry lunch that is far more alarming.

            Comment


              #7
              Seriously, is nobody worried by this at all?

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by basshead View Post
                Larger font != more alarming
                My mistake. I've changed it now.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by Nicky G View Post
                  Seriously, is nobody worried by this at all?
                  No. We all know you are quite mad...
                  "If you can read this, thank a teacher....and since it's in English, thank a soldier"

                  Comment


                    #10
                    I shouldn't worry too much about China, they may be able to build weapons but their logistics leave something to be desired...

                    Linky

                    Comment

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