US Defense Dept report singles out China as potential military rival

Forbes

WASHINGTON (AFX) – A major review of US military strategy singled out China as the country with the greatest potential to challenge the US militarily.

The Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) noted China’s steady but secretive military buildup since 1996.

‘Of the major and emerging powers, China has the greatest potential to compete militarily with the US and field disruptive military technologies that over time offset traditional US military advantages absent US counter strategies,’ the report said.

The pace and scope of China’s military buildup already puts regional military balances at risk, it said.

It listed an array of high end military capabilities that China is investing in.

It said US policy aims at encouraging China to choose a path of peaceful economic growth and political liberalization, rather than military threat or intimidation.

But, it said, ‘The outside world has little knowledge of Chinese motivations and decision-making or of key capabilities supporting its military modernization.’

‘The US encourages China to take actions to make its intentions clear and clarify its military plans.’

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