US concerned over China military might

US concerned over China military might

Chinese soldiers demonstrate their capabilities, which the Pentagon says, are growing as China expands it interests and influence abroad.

The US Defense Department has voiced concern over what it has described as China’s growing military might.

The Pentagon has told Congress in an annual report that China shows growing capability to project its military power beyond its shores.
In an annual report to Congress, the Pentagon said China is developing and testing new types of missiles, expanding the reach of its navy and upgrading its air force. It says China is also investing in military capabilities in cyberspace, space and electronic warfare.
The report said China's military modernization was driven primarily by a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait, as well as increased tensions in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
“The [People’s Liberation Army] has continued to develop and deploy military capabilities to coerce Taiwan or to attempt an invasion, if necessary,” the Pentagon report said.
The Pentagon has also criticized China's lack of openness about its strategy, which it said has caused concerns in Asia.
“Absent greater transparency from China and a change in its behavior, these concerns will likely intensify as the PLA’s military modernization program progresses,” the report said.
China’s government in March announced a 12.2 percent increase in military spending to $132 billion. China has the second-highest defense budget for any nation behind the US, which spent $600.4 billion on its military last year.