Rumsfeld concerned over China's missiles

BEIJING, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- China needs to explain why it is developing ballistic missiles capable of covering most of the world, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said in Beijing.

Speaking to defense experts at the Academy of Military Science Thursday, Rumsfeld said China's strategic strike capability was cause for concern, as it caused countries in the region to question Beijing's intentions.

Rumsfeld was speaking on his final day in Beijing after two days of meetings with military and political leaders.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan later defended the military expansion, saying, "It's right for China to enhance its justified defense capabilities."

Kong called the meetings with Rumsfeld and U.S. military officials "frank, constructive and useful." He also said Chinese leaders had told Rumsfeld the United States must respect China's sovereignty over Taiwan.

Rumsfeld and senior Pentagon officials, after meeting with Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and other generals Wednesday, said there were welcome signs of a cautious opening by the People's Liberation Army, the South China Morning Post reported Friday.

Cao, however, disputed a Pentagon report that claimed Beijing had understated its military spending. He said the $30.2 billion budget Beijing published this year was the true figure.