China is Testing DF-21 Anti-ship Ballistic Missile to Target US Aircraft Carriers

The commander of U.S. military forces in the Pacific said Thursday that the buildup of Chinese armed forces is continuing "unabated" and Beijing's goal appears to be power projection beyond Asia.

"China's rapid and comprehensive transformation of its armed forces is affecting regional military balances and holds implications beyond the Asia-Pacific region," said Adm. Robert F. Willard, the Pacific Command leader.

"Of particular concern is that elements of China's military modernization appear designed to challenge our freedom of action in the region."The comments in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee are likely to fuel an ongoing debate inside the U.S. government among military, policy and intelligence officials over whether China's military buildup is limited to a future conflict with Taiwan or whether China harbors global military ambitions.China also will deploy its own aircraft carrier by 2012 and currently has more than 60 submarines, he said.

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