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China is developing new long-range missiles and
acquiring an arsenal of sophisticated jets and warships in an ambitious arms
buildup, the Pentagon said in an annual report to Congress on Chinese military
power.
Over the ''next several years,'' Beijing will deploy a DF-31 road-mobile,
solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile and a JL-2 submarine-launched
ballistic missile.
Here is a breakdown of some of the weapons listed and a look at efforts by
Beijing's huge PLA ground forces to slim down and mobilize:
Ballistic missiles. About 650-730 mobile CSS-6 and CSS-7 short-range
missiles in coastal garrisons opposite Taiwan. Deployment is increasing by
about 100 missiles a year, including improved range and accuracy in newer
versions.
The military is also modernizing its longer-range missile fleet with newer, more
survivable versions, including the mobile DF-31 and JL-2.
Air Power. More than 700 aircraft within un-refueled operational range of
Taiwan. Many are outdated, but Beijing continues acquiring sleek fighters from
Russia, including the Su-30MKK multi-role and Su-Mk2 maritime strike aircraft.
New jet acquisitions are augmenting previous deliveries of Su-27 fighters and
China is building its own version of the Su-27SK, the F-11, under agreement
with Moscow.
Improvements to older FB-7 fighters will give them nighttime maritime strike
capability and China has programs underway to deploy new protective electronic
jammers on bombers, transports, tactical aircraft and unmanned spy planes.
The PLA is also acquiring from abroad, or developing at home, advanced precision
strike weapons, such as cruise missiles and air-to-air, air-to-surface and
radar-destroying munitions.
Naval Power. Includes 64 major surface warships, 55 attack submarines, 40
medium and heavy amphibious lift vessels and about 50 coastal missile patrol
craft. Two-thirds of the fleet is located in the East and South Sea fleets.
China has deployed two new Russian-made Sovremennyy-class guided-missile
destroyers in the East Sea Fleet and an additional two are under contract. All
are fitted with advanced anti-ship cruise missiles and air defense systems.
China's Song-class diesel electric submarine has entered serial production. Last
year, China launched a new diesel submarine, the Yuan class, and is expected to
field its next-generation nuclear attack submarine, the Type 093. this year.
Beijing is also acquiring eight additional Kilo-class diesel electric submarines
in addition to four previously-purchased boats. The new subs will include
advanced SS-N-27 anti-ship cruise missiles and wire-guided and wake-seeking
torpedoes.
Ground Forces: China has 375,000 troops deployed to three military
regions opposite Taiwan and has been upgrading those units with amphibious
armor and military vehicles.
The PLA is expected to complete another round of downsizing - slashing 200,000
troops by the end of this year - to bring the size of the PLA to about 2.3
million, according to official statistics. But the Pentagon said paramilitary,
police and reserves boost that figure to 3.2 million.
China's 2004 Defense White Paper noted that it can also draw upon more than 10
million organized militia members.
The army acquired additional M1-17/171 medium-lift helicopters from Russia last
year and is developing its own attack helicopter, the Z-10, which could enter
service in 2014.
REUTERS
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