China to build anti-ship BMs

• Source: Global Times
• [02:12 November 18 2009]
• Comments

However, Dai said people are overestimating the development and function of the missile and even the Chinese military.

"In fact, attacking an aircraft carrier with the missile is not an easy thing as many US media have said. To detect and lock on to a moving target in the ocean, such as aircraft carriers or other large warships, is still a very challenging issue, because ballistic missiles are mainly used for attacking large fixed targets," he added.

General Xu Caihou, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, also said during his visit to the US in October that Beijing's rapid military modernization, including the deployment of advanced weapons in the Pacific, is only to meet the minimum requirements of national security.

"American defense expenditure is 4.8 percent of its GDP, while Chinese is only 1.4 percent," Xu said.

"Military superiority does not depend on one or a few pieces of advanced weapons, but rather on comprehensive strength," said Luo Yuan, deputy secretary-general of the China Association for Military Science.

"China has never tried to achieve demands by force. In order to counter the military threat from outside, developing modern weapons and getting prepared is necessary. It is important for China's defensive strategy in the Pacific," Luo added.

Agencies contributed to this story