July 24, 2002	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13,1423

WASHINGTON: The Pentag-on is considering steps to intensify military ties with China after indications from Beijing that it will allow more transparency and access in the relationship, according to US defence officials.

The move reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of improved military ties with Beijing, even as its drive to modernize its armed forces continues to arouse concern.

The Pentagon has initiated contacts by sending Peter Rodman, the assistant secretary of defence, to Beijing.

Among measures under consideration are expanded educational exchanges for military officers and resumption of a regular high- level dialogue begun in the 1990s known as the Defence Consultative Talks. But the general intention, officials said, is to proceed gradually, gauging China’s response along the way.

Past efforts to expand military ties with China have caused some Pentagon disappointment.

The Pentagon still views China’s military as an increasing threat to the Asia-Pacific balance of power. A Defence Department report released last week concluded that China is spending billions of dollars on short and long-range missiles, as well as new diesel submarines, to pressure Taiwan into unifying with the mainland.

But within the administration, the State Department has advocated greater engagement with China, highlighting China’s importance as a potential partner ir in the global ‘war on terrorism’. Outside the administration, some prominent Republicans also have urged the resumption of closer military contact with China.—Dawn/The Washington Post News Service.