Military hardware drive no threat: China

“The efforts that we place on the research and development of weapons systems are by no means targeted at any third country or any other countries in the world, and it will by no means threaten any other country in the world,” Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie said.

US officials have noted quick advances in China’s anti-ship ballistic missile programme, which could challenge US aircraft carriers.

China may also be preparing to launch its first aircraft carrier in 2011, faster than some estimates, and new photos indicate it has a prototype of a stealth fighter jet.