A new assessment of China's military power issued by the Pentagon last week is notable for a subtle but distinct shift in tone, being more firm and candid than in previous appraisals.
The review stopped short of accusing the Chinese of being devious or lying, but was headed in that direction.
The Pentagon's evaluation, as before, laments a lack of 'transparency' in Chinese objectives and strategy, asserting that the Chinese publish 'incomplete defence expenditure figures and engage in actions that appear inconsistent' with Beijing's declarations.
Throughout the report, China is more sharply criticised for 'creating uncertainty and increasing the potential for misunderstanding and miscalculation'. Corruption 'remains pervasive, structural, and persistent'. In the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which comprises all of China's military forces, corruption includes 'bribery for advancement and promotion, unauthorised contracts and projects, and weapons procurement'.
The annual report, which was mandated by Congress, has grown to 78 pages from 56 pages in 2002, and reflects the Pentagon's increased attention to China, the improved ability of US analysts to discern trends in China, and a greater anxiety that China potentially poses a serious threat.
An unnamed senior official who briefed the press on the report in Washington acknowledged the greater apprehension. China's military modernisation, he said, 'is of growing concern to us'.
