US seeks more transparency from China's military

The US military is unhappy with what it perceives to be China’s lack of transparency about its military plans. In support of its accusation, the U.S. military's Asia-Pacific commander cited China’s denial of a port call for American ships. China’s growing military strength is already a matter of concern for many countries including the United States, which expressed its unhappiness in last November when the USS Kitty Hawk and five accompanying ships were refused a Hong Kong port call by the Chinese authorities. Shortly afterwards, two American Navy minesweepers were also denied shelter during a storm. Adm. Timothy Keating, the chief of the U. S. Pacific Command said more transparency was important for building greater trust. Greater openness reduces chances of misunderstanding that serves no one’s interest, he said in Beijing recently on a four-day visit to China. This was his second visit to the country after assuming his present responsibility almost a year ago.

Keating’s Pacific Command based ion Hawaii oversees busy trade routes that feed China's fast growing economy and the potentially unstable strait that separates Taiwan from mainland China. Keating said he discussed the Kitty Hawk port call issue with Chinese military officials. He was of the opinion that the refusal underlined the need for the development of trust and confidence and transparency. He expressed his eagerness to be able to continue to visit Hong Kong as it remains one of the crown jewels for American servicemen and women.

China, however, defended its stand saying the port call was denied because procedures were not followed. However, it dropped enough hints that what forced its hand was the U.S. Congress' decision to honor the Dalai Lama and U.S. arms sales to rival Taiwan, considered by China as a breakaway province that it hopes to reclaim. A top People’s Liberation Army told Keating that the U.S. must follow the international rules and required procedures if it wants American ships want to stop by in Hong Kong.