Chinese Buildup Seen as Threat to Region

Yesterday, the Pentagon released a report on Chinese military capabilities that may be ominous for other Asian powers as well as for the United States. While the findings revealed that Beijing does not yet have the military strength to exercise true dominance in Asia, its development of long range missiles – which could reach both India and the US – points to a longer-term strategy. Experts point out that one of the only reasons that China has yet to flex its muscles regionally and globally is its concentration on Taiwan. Should war over the island occur, however, China would be able to counter a US air attack with surface-to-air missiles which are already in its arsenal, as well as a possible nuclear retaliation on US soil. While the report took care to avoid describing China as a foe of the United States, it focused on China's nascent military capabilities. Could this increase the likelihood of a confrontation between the two giants? – YaleGlobal