SECRECY NEWS
from the FAS Project on Government Secrecy
Volume 2009, Issue No. 92
November 20, 2009

Secrecy News Blog: http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy/

CHINA'S NAVY MAKES "IMPRESSIVE" STRIDES, SAYS ONI

An ongoing modernization effort has provided China with an increasingly sophisticated and proficient naval force, according to a new assessment by the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI).

Notably, China has "developed the world's only anti-ship ballistic missile," which ONI said was "specifically designed to defeat U.S. carrier strike groups" in the event of military conflict over Taiwan.

"China's modernization efforts have principally focused on preparing for a Taiwan conflict, with a large portion directed at developing capabilities to deter, delay, and if necessary degrade potential U.S. military intervention," the ONI report said.

Although China has recently deployed naval vessels far from its shores to protect Chinese shipping from piracy, "it is important to note that none of these operations indicate a desire on the part of the PRC to develop a constant global presence," ONI said. "Beijing's ambition appears to remain focused on the East Asian region, with an ability to protect the PRC's maritime interests in distant seas when required."

See "The People's Liberation Army Navy: A Modern Navy with Chinese Characteristics," Office of Naval Intelligence, released November 2009 (17 MB PDF file):

The new ONI analysis was first reported by Tony Capaccio in "China’s New Missile May Create a 'No-Go Zone' for U.S. Fleet," Bloomberg News, November 17, 2009:

A marked increase in Chinese submarine patrols last year was reported by Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists in the FAS Strategic Security Blog:

The Congressional Research Service provided additional information in "China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities -- Background and Issues for Congress," updated October 21, 2009:

THE RISE OF CHINA'S AUTO INDUSTRY

"In recent years, China has become the world's fastest growing automotive producer," according to a new report from the Congressional Research Service.

"[China's] annual vehicle output has increased from less than 2 million vehicles in the late 1990s to 9.5 million in 2008. In terms of production volume in 2008, China has surpassed Korea, France, Germany, and the United States, trailing only Japan."

"China’s automobile industry has continued to expand despite the global economic downturn. From January to October 2009, more than 10 million vehicles were sold in China. If such growth continues, China is on its way to becoming world’s largest auto market," the CRS said.

See "The Rise of China's Auto Industry and Its Impact on the U.S. Motor Vehicle Industry," November 16, 2009:

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Secrecy News is written by Steven Aftergood and published by the Federation of American Scientists.

See also "Reducing Government Secrecy: Finding What Works" by Steven Aftergood, Yale Law and Policy Review, vol. 27, no. 2, Spring 2009:
      http://www.fas.org/sgp/eprint/aftergood.pdf

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