Pentagon: Chinese advances threaten U.S. military edge

WASHINGTON, May 9 (UPI) -- China's rapidly expanding and modernizing military, including its increasing missile capabilities and mysterious campaign to built artificial islands in the South China Sea, "has the potential to reduce core U.S. military technological advantages," a new Defense Department report said.

In the annual report to Congress on China's military activity, released Friday, the Defense Department said China views modernization of its army as "essential to achieving great power status and what Chinese President Xi Jinping calls the 'China Dream' of national rejuvenation."

"China is investing in capabilities designed to defeat adversary power projection and counter third-party —including U.S.— intervention during a crisis or conflict," the report said. "As the United States builds a stronger foundation for a military-to-military relationship with China, it must also continue to monitor China's evolving military strategy, doctrine, and force development, and encourage China to be more transparent about its military modernization program."

The report says China's defense budget increases about 9.5 percent a year and the country continues to modernize its military. It is continually developing and testing new weaponry, including intermediate- and medium-range conventional ballistic missiles, as well as long-range, land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles that may increase the country's reach.

The Pentagon said China's ambitious naval modernization program has resulted in "the largest number of vessels in Asia, with more than 300 surface ships, submarines, amphibious ships, and patrol craft." China's navy has five nuclear attack submarines, four ballistic missile submarines and 53 diesel attack submarines. By 2020, the force is projected to grow to between 69 and 78 submarines.

The country may also develop a "Type 095" nuclear-powered, guided-missile attack submarine that will allow for clandestine land attacks.

"China is also focusing on counter-space, offensive cyber operations, and electronic warfare capabilities meant to deny adversaries the advantages of modern, informationized warfare," the report said.

The report also highlights the artificial islands being built in the South China Sea as a clear attempt by the country to boost its claims to the Spratly Islands, an archipelago disputed with regional neighbors including the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam.

"The ultimate purpose of the expansion projects remains unclear and the Chinese government has stated these projects are mainly for improving the living and working conditions of those stationed on the islands. However, most analysts outside China believe that China is attempting to change facts on the ground by improving its defense infrastructure in the South China Sea," the report said.