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China state-run news agency accuses U.S. of 'interfering' after military report

August 25, 2011

Chinese army recruits in training at a military base in Yinchuan

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency has accused the United States of "interfering" in China's affairs following the release of a new U.S. Defense Department report saying that China appears on track to build a modern military by 2020.

In particular, Xinhua said the annual Pentagon report to the U.S. Congress "interferes" with China's relations with Taiwan.

The U.S. report warns that China has been extending its military advantage over the forces of Taiwan, gaining better artillery that could strike targets within or even across the Taiwan Strait.

China considers Taiwan to be a territory that must one day be reunited with the mainland under Beijing's rule, by force if necessary.

The U.S. has supplied arms to Taiwan.

In the report, the Pentagon also says China's military has been investing in high-technology weaponry that could extend China's reach in the Pacific region, potentially destabilizing the regional military balance and leading to a rise in tensions.

compiled from agency reports

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

Topics: Armed forces/military,