China to boost defense spending

From Defense Aerospace

China's Defense Budget to Increase 17.8% in 2007

(Source: Voice of America News; issued March 4, 2007)

BEIJING --- China's military spending will grow by 17.8 percent to nearly $45 billion this year. China has steadily increased its defense budget by double digits over the past few years, raising concerns about its military intentions.

China will increase its military spending by 17.8 percent this year, to improve salaries and living conditions for military personnel and to upgrade equipment and technology.

Jiang Enzhu, the Deputy Secretary General and spokesman for the National People's Congress, announced the jump in military spending Sunday, one day before the annual legislative session opens in Beijing.

He rejected recent expressions of concern by the United States and other countries about China's intentions. "China's national defense is aimed at protecting national security and unification and to ensure the country makes steady progress toward building a moderately prosperous society. China has neither the wherewithal nor the intention to enter into an arms race with any country and China does not and will not pose a threat to any country."

Although China has not fought a military conflict since the 1980's, Beijing has increased defense spending by more than ten percent annually in recent years.

China says its defense budget went up 14.7 percent in 2006 to more than $36 billion. Beijing argues its military expenditure is small compared to that of developed nations such as the U.S. and Japan.

But some experts say Beijing is concealing real military spending, which could be three times the official figures.

The latest defense boost follows China's successful test in January of an anti-satellite weapon, which provoked worries about Beijing's military capabilities and intentions.

Washington is also wary about tensions building up in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has been moving toward a more independent identity from China, sparking condemnations from Beijing.

China claims self-ruling and democratic Taiwan as a province that must one day reunite with the mainland, by military force if necessary. The U.S. has vowed to defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks.

China's annual national legislative session begins Monday in Beijing. The NPC passed a law in 2005 authorizing the use of military force against Taiwan if it declares independence.

This year the NPC will announce China's economic growth target for 2007, and pass laws on private property and corporate taxes. (ends)

US Urges China Transparency on Military Buildup

(Source: Voice of America News; issued March 4, 2007)

BEIJING --- The United States is calling on China to be more transparent on its military buildup. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte made the call in Beijing Sunday after Chinese officials announced they plan to boost their military spending by nearly 18 percent to $45 billion this year. VOA's Luis Ramirez has more from Beijing.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte met with Chinese officials as part of a three-nation Asian tour that began Friday in Japan. On the agenda have been discussions on ensuring that North Korea meets an upcoming deadline on declaring its nuclear activities as it agreed to do in negotiations last month.

Overshadowing Negroponte's stop in Beijing was China's announcement that it plans to boost its defense budget by 17.8 percent this year. The U.S. official voiced Washington's concern over what he said is China's lack of transparency as it upgrades its military.

"It is not so much the budget and the increases, as much as it is understanding those questions better through dialogue and transparency," he said.

Negroponte said more discussions are needed between Pentagon officials and Chinese military authorities. "We would like to see those intensified so that we can have a better grasp of what exactly the Chinese have in mind," added Negroponte.

China has pointed hundreds of missiles at democratically ruled Taiwan, which the Communist government in Beijing claims as part of its territory. Washington has expressed concern over China's threats to reunite Taiwan by force if necessary.

China on Sunday warned the United States not to allow a deal to sell missiles to Taiwan, saying Washington should not signal support for those on the island who want formal independence.

Negroponte said the provision of defensive weapons to Taiwan is consistent with Washington's accords with China.

The Deputy Secretary of State later heads to South Korea, where discussions are expected to focus on the North Korean nuclear issue.