BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pledge to build a “world-class army” by 2050 is making his neighbors nervous, but analysts say Beijing’s military ambitions do not constitute a strategic threat—for now. AdvertisementsWith purchases and construction of fighter jets, ships and hi-tech weaponry, China’s military budget has grown steadily for 30 years, but remains three times smaller than that of the United States. “That’s why China, more than any other country, dreams of a strong army. This summer India and China engaged in a bitter, weeks-long military confrontation over a disputed area in the Himalayas. And Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, despite rival claims from countries including Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Source: Manila Times November 01, 2017 14:37 UTC