January 24, 2005 :: Defense News :: News
A ten-member Congressional delegation returning from a visit to China has words of warning and caution to policymakers at home, quoted in an excellent report by Defense News. Representative Randy Forbes (R-VA), who led the delegation, said that by the end of the trip, “we weren’t sure whether they were going to be our best friend or our worst enemy.” Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN), said that he returned “much more worried than I had been before,” and described China’s rapid acquisition of offensive weapons, as well as the fact that the Chinese seemed to be consumed with the issue of Taiwan.
Representative Forbes also warned that, “if Taiwan moves toward greater independence, [China] will stop them,” but noted that, “I’m decidedly more hawkish” now than before the trip. Cooper also warned of the significant Chinese arms purchases: “They are busy buying and building the best weapons they can. Money seems to be no object.” Forbes is also quoted by Defense News as adding that China is rapidly building up their navy: “There’s no question our Navy is the best in the world…At some point, sheer numbers start to matter.” (Article)
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