China white paper highlights US military 'competition'

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By Michael Bristow BBC News, Beijing

China says the United States is increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which is becoming more "volatile".

It also says there has been a rise in operations directed against China.

The views were made in China's National Defense white paper, issued by the government.

The paper outlines the country's current views on security issues and gives an overview of its military forces.

Fierce competition

In the document, released on Thursday, China gives a downbeat assessment of the regional security situation.

"Profound changes are taking shape in the Asia-Pacific strategic landscape. Relevant major powers are increasing their strategic investment," it says.

"International military competition remains fierce."

The document singles out the United States. According to China, it is reinforcing military alliances* and getting more involved in regional affairs.

(* note: Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.
The QDR states that the US intends to 'enhance' its alliance relations with the Philippines and Thailand, 'deepen' its cooperation with Singapore, and 'develop new strategic relationships' with Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Not to be forgotten Taiwan, New Zealand and Australia.)

Beijing also says foreigners are now more suspicious of China - and have increased "interference and countering moves" against it. <snip>

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12917338