Concern About China: Military Build-up, Partnering with Greece

Statement

U.S. President Barack Obama's top military adviser said he has grown "genuinely concerned" over China's motives for building up its armed forces. Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a speech in Washington this week that he was worried by China's "heavy investments" in sea and air capabilities and its rejection of military contacts with the U.S.

"A gap as wide as what seems to be forming between China's stated intent and its military programs leaves me more than curious about the end result," Mullen told the Asia Society. "Indeed, I have moved from being curious to being genuinely concerned."

"Welcome to the club, Admiral Mullen," said Rodney, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and the House Special Intelligence Oversight Panel. "China's investments in new aircraft, submarines, surface ships, anti-ship missiles and cyber and space assets have sounded alarms for years. If we do not react and prepare now, we may live to regret a lack of foresight in years to come."

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