US says China’s growing military might is part of a ‘diverse’ threat to its national security
- National Intelligence Strategy also identifies Russia and North Korea as risks
- Earlier US report raises concerns about Beijing’s development of two new stealth bombers, one of which may be able to carry nuclear weapons
China’s military modernisation is part of a “diverse” new threat to the national security of the United States, Washington said this week, just days after a separate US report raised concerns about Beijing’s development of a new generation of stealth jets.
According to the latest “National Intelligence Strategy” – produced by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence – China’s “continued pursuit of economic and territorial predominance in the Pacific region and beyond remain[s] a concern”.
The modernisation of its military – along with Russia’s expansion and the nuclear challenge posed by North Korea – are among the “ever more diverse” threats facing the US, said the document, which was released on Tuesday.
The assessment comes at a time of growing military rivalry between the United States and China in the Asia-Pacific region. Tensions have been growing since Beijing launched a programme to upgrade the military capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army and began challenging for regional dominance.
At the heart of that challenge is the PLA Air Force (PLAAF).
The strategy report came after the US Defence Intelligence Agency said last week that the PLAAF was developing two new jets – the Xian H-20 strategic bomber and a tactical bomber, possibly the Xian JH series.
“The PLAAF is developing new medium- and long-range stealth bombers to strike regional and global targets,” the agency said in a report titled “China Military Power”.
