China has continued to develop its military capabilities through 2005 and is becoming a major concern for other powers, according to a report published in London Tuesday.
The Military Balance 2005-2006, issued by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, cites the "modernization and reform" of China's military as "one of the main defense and security issues in east and northeast Asia."
By Ian Green
China has continued to develop its military capabilities through 2005 and is becoming a major concern for other powers, according to a report published in London Tuesday.
The Military Balance 2005-2006, issued by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, cites the "modernization and reform" of China's military as "one of the main defense and security issues in east and northeast Asia."
Of particular concern, according to the publication, is "a Chinese strategy of deploying overwhelming missile superiority" against Taiwan. The report cites Taiwanese estimates that by 2006 China will have 1,000 land-attack missiles within striking distance of the island, an increase of 200 missiles from last year.
Similarly, China's relations with Japan are said to have "deteriorated," with China's "economic and military development increasingly challenging Japan's position in the region."
The report also noted a significant increase in China's defense budget, from 25 billion dollars in 2004 to 29.5 billion dollars in 2005.
