China's undisputed economic domination, harnessed from a workforce coming from more than a billion people, is now poised to transform its economic power into an equally potent military power. The Chinese, a proud and resilient race, always had a craving for power and recognition like all other nations that reached its current enviable status. And, they fully understand that power involves not only a strong economy, but a powerful military. They are cognizant of the ability of a strong economy to solve domestic problems, but are even more focused on its capacity to provide resources for military modernization and expansion. 
China's military build-up began 16 years ago after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, it has hundreds of advanced fighters; scores of submarines, frigates, and destroyers; continuously modernizes and expands its nuclear arsenal; and is fielding hundreds of theater range missiles. Estimates place China's attack submarines at 30, with 6 more being produced. By 2020, it will out-pace the United States in number of attack submarines. China's successful anti-satellite missile test in January 2007 is viewed by the US as a threat to America's spy satellites; and its proven range is capable of destroying 316 of the 528 international orbiters in space. Beijing has declared that the firing was not adversarial since it merely targeted an old US satellite for the test, but the US sees the achievement as a potential catalyst to a space arms race.
Pentagon has no accurate estimate of China's military spending because of its lack of transparency. However, a recent Pentagon report suggests that China also spent heavily on cyberware since it experienced "intrusions" suspected to originate from the Peoples Liberation Army. During these hacking instances, unclassified US military computer systems were broken into and succeeded in obtaining information. The same complaint was registered by the UK which believed China's state sponsored cyber terrorists conducted sustained attacks on Whitehall's vital computer networks. Both countries believe that China is building a cyber army trained to cripple computer systems of potential enemies, leaving them totally vulnerable during times of war or crisis. China has denied the allegations and asked the United States to abandon Cold War thinking.
Today, China voted with Russia in blocking a resolution introduced by western powers to put more pressure on Iran's defiance at pursuing a nuclear program. The potential for a realignment of natural allies (China and Russia) is gathering strength, and these two countries seem bent on adding to their number by supporting Iran's nuclear development for military use. All 3 countries are practically single party structures, with Russia's recent democratic elections being merely a facade for dictatorship. On the other hand, the United States is mired in internal squabbling among conservatives, liberals, libertarians, evangelicals, and so many other segments, pulling it in several directions and weakening its resolve.
If this trend continues, there is no stopping China from becoming the most powerful nation of earth; and all those who reside in the Asia-Pacific region had better start learning Fookienese and Mandarin to welcome the new Master of the World!
Haarrrwwwwk...Twoooooph...Ting!
China's military build-up began 16 years ago after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, it has hundreds of advanced fighters; scores of submarines, frigates, and destroyers; continuously modernizes and expands its nuclear arsenal; and is fielding hundreds of theater range missiles. Estimates place China's attack submarines at 30, with 6 more being produced. By 2020, it will out-pace the United States in number of attack submarines. China's successful anti-satellite missile test in January 2007 is viewed by the US as a threat to America's spy satellites; and its proven range is capable of destroying 316 of the 528 international orbiters in space. Beijing has declared that the firing was not adversarial since it merely targeted an old US satellite for the test, but the US sees the achievement as a potential catalyst to a space arms race.
Pentagon has no accurate estimate of China's military spending because of its lack of transparency. However, a recent Pentagon report suggests that China also spent heavily on cyberware since it experienced "intrusions" suspected to originate from the Peoples Liberation Army. During these hacking instances, unclassified US military computer systems were broken into and succeeded in obtaining information. The same complaint was registered by the UK which believed China's state sponsored cyber terrorists conducted sustained attacks on Whitehall's vital computer networks. Both countries believe that China is building a cyber army trained to cripple computer systems of potential enemies, leaving them totally vulnerable during times of war or crisis. China has denied the allegations and asked the United States to abandon Cold War thinking.
Today, China voted with Russia in blocking a resolution introduced by western powers to put more pressure on Iran's defiance at pursuing a nuclear program. The potential for a realignment of natural allies (China and Russia) is gathering strength, and these two countries seem bent on adding to their number by supporting Iran's nuclear development for military use. All 3 countries are practically single party structures, with Russia's recent democratic elections being merely a facade for dictatorship. On the other hand, the United States is mired in internal squabbling among conservatives, liberals, libertarians, evangelicals, and so many other segments, pulling it in several directions and weakening its resolve.
If this trend continues, there is no stopping China from becoming the most powerful nation of earth; and all those who reside in the Asia-Pacific region had better start learning Fookienese and Mandarin to welcome the new Master of the World!
Haarrrwwwwk...Twoooooph...Ting!
