THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The US said at the weekend it would respond to the rapidly-increasing military capabilities of China by building up its own strength in the region.
Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, was speaking as he arrived in Beijing on Sunday for four days of talks aimed at renewing ties between the US and Chinese armed forces. However his visit has been overshadowed by a series of announcements by the Chinese about the growing strength of their missile technology, naval capabilities and other defence initiatives.
The visit is the first by a US defence secretary since 2000, and comes at a time of heightened tension in the region. It is also almost one year after China suspended military contacts with Washington following arms sales to Taiwan. >>> David Eimer in Beijing | Sunday, January 09, 2011
