China vows to continue arms buildup

BEIJING – China said today it will strengthen its military to thwart any attempt by Taiwan to push for independence but vowed that it was committed to the peaceful development of the world’s largest army.

A report issued by the State Council, China’s Cabinet, also said the country’s defense policy will focus on protecting its borders and sea space, cracking down on terrorism and modernizing its weapons.

“China will not engage in any arms race or pose a military threat to any other country,” the 91-page white paper said. “China is determined to remain a staunch force for global peace, security and stability.”

The communist nation’s 2.3 million-strong military is the world’s largest but has been criticized for its lack of transparency about its buildup.

Its reported 2006 budget is $35 billion, but analysts believe the true figure, which doesn’t include weapons purchases and other key items, is several times higher.

One of Beijing’s key short-term goals has been to take a firm stand against any independence efforts by Taiwan, the self-ruled island that the communist mainland claims as part of its territory. It has hundreds of missiles pointed in its direction across the Taiwan Straits. China has also spent heavily to beef up its arsenal with submarines, jet fighters and other high-tech weapons.