Share This Page Slashdot Del.icio.us Google Digg Reddit Newsvine Furl Yahoo Facebook

Washington, D.C., Mar 26, 2009 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement after the Department of Defense released its annual report to Congress on the military power of the People’s Republic of China:

“The report released to Congress discloses an important point about China’s persistent expansion of its already 260-ship Navy. Specifically, China continues to invest heavily in this Navy buildup with two decades of double digit increases in defense spending, showing clear steps towards a more offensive military strategy. Second, China is closing the gap on our own 283 ship Navy. Not only does this raise the question of whether 283-260 is a ratio the U.S. is comfortable with, but it calls to question whether China’s Navy is the defensive force that they claim it to be.  China’s lack of transparency in these areas could create potential miscalculations or unnecessary escalations. The U.S. must continue to monitor the expansion of China’s military power, especially in regards to the way they exercise judgment in the use of it and other elements of global influence.”

Congressman Forbes is Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee and Founder and Chairman of the Congressional China Caucus. For more information on the China Caucus, click here.