China “Wants Strong Links to US”

The transfer of power in the US to a new president offers the opportunity for various foreign partnerships, and China expresses a desire for stronger military ties. But a spokesman for China’s ministry of defense noted that one obstacle would be US sales of military equipment to Taiwan. Taiwan severed its ties to the mainland with the 1949 revolution, while China insists on reunification. “In 2007, China's military spending was just 1.4% of gross domestic product,” notes a BBC report from Michael Bristow. “That figure was 4.5% in the US and 2.7% in the UK, according to China.” Military sales are a moneymaker for both countries, yet frank discussions may reveal that some sales have more costs than benefits. – YaleGlobal