Admiral Donegan Warns of China's Military Expansion

As reported in the Associated Press (CLICK HERE), on October 30, 2009 a U.S. Navy admiral expressed new concern over China's military buildup. China's military is growing at "an unprecedented rate," Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan told reporters on a visit to the Chinese territory of Hong Kong. "I am absolutely concerned," Admiral Donegan said.

Donegan is commander of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier strike group, a key part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Donegan warned about China's expanded weaponry. The Admiral’s warnings echoed the concerns of other U.S. military leaders who have said the growth in China's military spending raises questions about Beijing’s intentions. China’s military spending has jumped almost 15 percent in the 2009 budget.

China has boosted military spending by more than 10 percent EVERY YEAR for almost two decades. And these official figures for China’s defense spending are believed by many analysts to represent only a fraction of China’s real total military budget. China is hiding most of its budget.

China has been adding sophisticated new warships, submarines, fighter jets and other weapons systems to its arsenal.