ballistic and cruise missiles Archives

There is no secret that China is actively pursuing accelerated military buildup and becoming increasingly aggressive around its borders. Here are just a few indicators that were observed recently by the rest of the world.

Definite acceleration of offensive air and missile developments
A growing arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles, including anti-ship missiles and advanced radar-evading stealth combat aircraft
Pursuit of counterspace and cyber capabilities that can be used to disrupt US military operations
A flare-up in territorial spats with Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam and strained relations with South Korea (all of which have turned to Washington for support)

China also purchased its first aircraft carrier (a refurbished Russian ship) and towed it from Ukraine. The Varyag, a Kuznetsov-class carrier, was originally built for the Soviet navy, but construction was interrupted by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The initial sea trial will start in July. The increased activity was observed aboard the ship in recent days. The ship will be formally launched next year on October 1, China’s national day, after workers complete the installation of weapons systems and other equipment. This is likely to further worry neighbors amid heightened tensions over territorial disputes.

So what is going on in China? Here are a few recent facts:

· Definite acceleration of offensive air and missile developments, including a growing arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles, including anti-ship missiles and advanced radar-evading stealth combat aircraft.

· Increased aggressive near its coasts, including harassment against US surveillance ships.

· Pursuit of counterspace and cyber capabilities that can be used to disrupt US military operations.

· Purchase of China’s first aircraft carrier (a refurbished Russian ship) will begin sea trials as early as this summer. The Varyag, a Kuznetsov-class carrier, was originally built for the Soviet navy, but construction was interrupted by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

During a hearing of the Senate Armed Services committee, Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard that China’s intentions behind its decades-long buildup remain hidden and are undermining stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The four-star admiral said the arms buildup is understandable because of China’s economic rise, but “the scope and pace of its modernization without clarity on China’s ultimate goals remains troubling.”

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Tag: ballistic and cruise missiles

Another step in China’s troubling military buildup. aircraft carrier testing to start in July

How dangerous is China? Arms buildup, near coast aggressiveness, cyber attacks and refurbished Soviet aircraft carrier.