China: no more Mister Nice Guy

Welcome to the 21st century.

China continues an arms build-up largely kept secret from the west. But we do know that in the last ten months a Chinese Navy submarine surfaced close to a US aircraft carrier without first being detected, China demonstrated an anti-satellite missile system successfully, and China launched a huge new Jin Class ballistic missile submarine.

The US Office of Naval Intelligence estimated in December that China might build five Jin-class submarines.

Japan, on July 5, “expressed concern about the lack of transparency on China’s burgeoning military spending”. This followed closely on the heels of Australia’s Prime Minister John Howard saying of China, “The pace and scope of its military modernisation, particularly the development of new and disruptive capabilities such as the anti-satellite missile, could create misunderstandings and instability in the region”.

Prime Minister Howard made the statement on July 4.

Next week the US Secretary of the Treasury goes to China. His agenda includes discussions with Chinese leaders concerning China’s environment which has the worst pollution in the world.

We say, “Good luck Treasury Secretary Paulson. When you meet China: no more Mister Nice Guy.”