Article Posted on : - Sep 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (PTI): The Pentagon has dismissed the Chinese allegation that its recent report on China’s military buildup is trying to provoke confrontation with its neighbours, in particular with India, saying this is America’s assessment on the issues for national security.

“Every time we issue that report, Chinese have concerns over it. We hope that do not look at it negatively, but it tends to happen that way. It is again our assessment of all of the issues for national security and military perspective on China,” Pentagon Spokesman Col Dave Lapan said.

“Part of the reason that we release the report and provide a briefing is to be very transparent about our views.

We are hopeful that, putting this information out there helps the Chinese understand that it is not a threat or we are not trying to provoke any kind of effect.

“Just the opposite, we are trying to ensure that there are no confrontations,” Lapan said.

Lapan was responding to questions, during an off-camera news conference, about the Chinese allegations that the latest Pentagon report is trying to create confrontation between China and its neighbours, in particular with India.

The Pentagon report, titled ‘Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China’ had said China has deployed more advanced and survivable solid-fuel nuclear capable CSS-5 MRBM missiles against India as a ‘deterrent posture’.

China had on Wednesday said the claims were made with “ulterior motives”.

“The conclusion is totally groundless. China and India are not enemies, not opponents, but neighbours and partners,” Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Tang Yujun, told reporters at a regular news conference in Beijing.

Yang said that those who are promoting such views are trying to stall the improving relationship between China and its neighbour.

“In the past few years the two sides have been committed to developing a strategic partnership. And a wide range of exchange programmes between the two sides have resulted in enhanced mutual understanding and mutual trust,” said the Defence Ministry spokesperson.