China military buildup fueled by Taiwan independence moves, US says

Pentagon report highlights technological progress by Beijing

A nuclear version of the DF-26 ballistic missile, seen here at a parade in Tiananmen Square, would give China new capabilities in the region, the report says.

TSUYOSHI NAGASAWA, Nikkei staff writer

January 17, 2019 02:45 JST

WASHINGTON -- China's desire to deter pro-independence movements in Taiwan and eventually achieve reunification is the "primary driver" behind Beijing's rapid military modernization in recent years, the U.S. Department of Defense said in a report published Tuesday.

"China's leaders hope that possessing these military capabilities will deter pro-independence moves by Taiwan or, should deterrence fail, will permit a range of tailored military options against Taiwan and potential third-party military intervention," according to a 125-page report, “China Military Power -- Modernizing a Force to Fight and Win,” released by the Defense Intelligence Agency.