China is developing "asymmetric" or "multi-dimensional counterspace capability," that might be used to attack the communications and computer networks at the heart of the United States' increasingly net-centric military," said Richard Lawless, the deputy undersecretary of defense for Asia-Pacific affairs, at the House Armed Services Committee hearing June 13.
In addition to developing the ability to jam, blind and destroy satellites, China also is investing heavily in its own reconnaissance, navigation and communications satellites, Lawless said.
In May, the Pentagon released its annual assessment of Chinese military power. Lawless cited some of the findings: (see news China has at least 10 types of ballistic missiles deployed or being developed. New missiles and upgrades to older missiles give greater range, mobility, accuracy and survivability to Chinese missiles that are able to strike around the world.
China continues buying ships and submarines from Russia, but is also building its own second-generation nuclear-powered submarines as well as guided missile destroyers and guided missile frigates. The nation has four or five shipyards turning out military vessels and is able to undertake multiple programs simultaneously, Lawless said. (Source: William Matthews, Defensenews.com, Jun 18, 2007)