China’s military concerns U.S.

WASHINGTON – A Pentagon report on Chinese military modernization issued Tuesday reveals growing American concern over China’s ability not only to threaten Taiwan, but also to throw its power around East Asia and confront other U.S. allies.

This year’s edition of the annual report highlights apprehension within the U.S. military that China is gearing up to confront Japan, and demands an explanation for Beijing’s naval, air and missile buildup.

“They are very worried the Chinese are posturing for a maritime confrontation with Japan,” said James Mulvenon, deputy director of the Center for Intelligence Research and Analysis, an independent research company in Washington.

Although many analysts share the administration’s concern that the growth of the Chinese military could upset the balance of power in East Asia, the report’s estimate of China’s overall military spending was greeted more skeptically.

The Pentagon cited a Defense Intelligence Agency estimate that put China’s 2006 military spending between $70 billion and $105 billion. Independent analysts say that China clearly spends more than its official figure of $35 billion, but Mulvenon said the actual figure is more likely to be no more than $50 billion.