China's new stance on military power concerns Pentagon

WASHINGTON — China is devoting more resources to its military and the Pentagon wants the world's most populous nation to be more open about its intentions.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday a new report on the status of China's military suggests the Chinese are developing some sophisticated capabilities.

The report was expected to be released today.

Gates told Pentagon reporters the report "paints a picture of a country that is devoting substantial resources to the military."

The assessment, released about this time each year, has issued persistent warnings that China is rapidly extending its military reach, buying more long-range aircraft and weapons. The expansion of China's navy includes a growing submarine fleet and new ships suitable for the open seas, fueling fears in the United States that its military could alter the balance of power in Asia

"We wish that there were greater transparency, that they would talk more about what their intentions are, what their strategies are," Gates said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao said Wednesday his country must build up more modern armed forces to safeguard national security, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

The China Military Power Report issued by the Pentagon last year said China's buildup retained a long-standing focus on rival Taiwan but that years of double-digit-percentage growth in arms spending gave it the ability to project power further afield.

China has said it would attack Taiwan if the self-ruled island, which Beijing views as a renegade province, formally declares independence.