Hunter: China transforming its military

WASHINGTON, June 15 (UPI) -- China is developing armed forces that can conduct offensive operations around the world, a GOP presidential candidate has warned.

"During the last year, China demonstrated its resolve to transform and evolve its military into one that can challenge its regional neighbors first and then into a force that can conduct offensive operations globally," Rep. Duncan Hunter, the ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives and a conservative candidate for his party's 2008 presidential nomination, said in a statement this week.

"In October 2006, a Chinese SONG-class diesel submarine surfaced near the USS Kitty Hawk -- demonstrating a deep-water capability; on January 11, 2007, China conducted a direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) test, a provocative act signaling the country's indisputable capability to challenge the United States in space," Hunter said.

"Today, China continues to transform from a coastal navy to a fleet centered on anti-access and area denial," he said. "This fleet includes the Russian-purchased SOVREMENNY II guided missile destroyers fitted with anti-ship cruise missiles; nuclear attack and diesel submarines, including 12 KILO-class submarines delivered by Russia, and the Chinese-produced LUYANG II class destroyer with a vertical launch air defense system."

"Additionally, China is modernizing its offensive air capabilities, deploying the F-10 multi-role fighter aircraft to operational units; co-producing the multi-role SU-270 MK/FLANKER fighter with Russia; and arming its tactical aircraft with precision weaponry," Hunter said.

The Chinese military build-up is arousing increasing concern among members of Congress and the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the subject this week.