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China arms buildup hurts prospects for peace: USCNA TAIPEI -- China's growing military power lowers the likelihood of a peaceful resolution to the tensions across the Taiwan Strait, according to a draft report by a U.S. Congressional commission.
October 28, 2011, 11:55 pm TWN However, increased economic and trade interaction between the two sides reduces the possibility of war “in the near future,” the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) said in the final draft of its annual report. China “has progressed substantially” in military modernization since 2009, including flight testing its J-20 stealth fighter, its first aircraft carrier and the world's latest anti-ship ballistic missile, said the draft report, which is scheduled for release on Nov. 16. Such modernization gives China the military advantage, “making it less likely that a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue will occur,” the report stated. “A gross military imbalance could also lead Beijing to act pre-emptively to resolve the cross Strait problem, possibly resulting in U.S. involvement,” the draft report said. China has maintained that reunification with Taiwan is a goal that must be achieved — by force if necessary.
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