China to strengthen military

[Township75]

hina said Friday 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."

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/12/29/china-military.html

[onehandle]

1. China needs a strong military to get what we owe them.

Our future masters will have no sense of humor about the United States starting to default on payments within a decade or two.

[BushOut06]

2. Somebody needs to challenge the United States

The US should not be the world's lone military superpower. There need to be buffers to our expansionist greed. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US has acted as if it has the right to do anything it wants, because it didn't have to worry about anyone challenging them militarily.

[w4rma]

9. Not that country, though. That country treats people worse that most in the world. (nt)

[NewJeffCT]

3. Interesting wording...

"China will not engage in any arms race or pose a military threat to any other country," the 91-page white paper said.

China considers Taiwan to be part of their own country. So when they say "any other country" that does not include Taiwan.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

4. Rose to 7.5 percent of that of the USA, from the previous 6.5 percent.

Just to keep things in perspective.

Edit: I'm talking about budget here. Sources:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4773358.stm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_budget_of_the_United_States

[One_Life_To_Give]

6. Not sure about equating dollars

The cost of feeding and clothing the troops is much less.
You would need to put China's military procurements at the equivalent of what DOD would pay for the same thing to equate dollars.

[hack89]

7. Over half of the DoD budget is personnel costs

health care, pay, veteran pensions and health care. It is hard to compare US and Chinese defense expenditures. Not only do they not have a transparent system but I am sure all the private business owned by the Chinese military are not accounted for.

[hack89]

5. This will push the Japanese over the edge ...

watch for a much more aggressive defense policy. The Japanese (along with Vietnam and the Philippines) have territorial disputes with China and I don't see the Japanese backing down.

[TomClash]

8. Fortunately we have allies

to combat the country with one of the worst human rights records on the planet - the worst of Fascism, Communism and State Capitalism.

[w4rma]

10. Very bad direction. (nt)