David Helvey, the director of China, Taiwan and Mongolia affairs for the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, who also addressed the briefing, added to Sedney's comments.
"As China's military forces improve ... you see the retirement of older platforms and airframes. So in some cases, you may see a decrement in total numbers, but you have a higher percentage of much more capable platforms and systems," Helvey said.
In the report, the Pentagon also noted favorably the development of the Hsiung Feng IIE cruise missile, announced during the Han Kuang exercise in April, with a 1,000km range that enables it to reach Hong Kong and Shanghai.
RESPONSE
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) yesterday urged the international community to pay close attention to China's rapid military buildup, saying the Taiwan Strait has become one of the major flashpoints in the world because of Beijing's military rise.
In its official statement, MAC said the Chinese arms expansion has not only tipped the balance of power in the East Asia, but also threatened the stability in the Pacific region.
Furthermore, Taiwan has reasons to believe that Beijing still views Taiwan as its greatest enemy. Such animosity is evident in the number of missiles, increasing at a rate of 100 missiles per year, pointed at the country.
MAC called on the international community to raise suspicion about the true intention behind Beijing's military buildup.
Additional reporting by Jenny W. Hsu
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