punitive actions against Islamabad +Continued threat of high level terror attacks +WASHINGTON: India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is consideringfor its alleged support to cross border terrorism, a top American defence intelligence chief has told lawmakers. "Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said.Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk. "China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby maritime space. Beijing recognises the need to defend these outposts and is prepared to respond to any military operations near them," he told the lawmakers.Stewart said a key component of PLA strategy in a regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention.The PLA Rocket Force has given priority to developing and deploying regional ballistic and cruise missiles to expand its conventional strike capabilities against US forces and bases throughout the region. "In addition to the Rocket Force's fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.

Source: Times of India May 24, 2017 02:53 UTC