Pentagon accusation rejected

Diaoyu: Report denied

In February, the Chinese government and military denied a report by the US computer security company Mandiant that accused the military of hacking US websites.

In contrast to Beijing's reaction, a Pentagon official tried on Monday to draw attention to the evolving relationship between the two countries' armed forces.

At a news briefing, David Helvey, deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, emphasized US efforts toward a healthy, stable, reliable and ongoing military-to-military relationship with China.

Zhiqun Zhu, a professor of political science and international relations at Pennsylvania's Bucknell University, said the report reflects mixed US feelings about the growing power of China, including its "concerns about the speed and scale of China's military modernization".

While focusing on China's strategy, military modernization, Taiwan contingencies and military exchanges, the report also mentions China's first aircraft carrier, stealth aircraft, space-based imaging and remote sensing, integrated air defense and military cyberspace capabilities.

China firmly opposes the interference of the US in China's military development, Hua said.

Su Hao, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, said the report, which "studies and evaluates China as a potential opponent", is not conducive to the increasingly stable Sino-US relations since US Secretary of State John Kerry visited China in April.

Bonnie Glaser, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said both countries have recognized that military ties must be strengthened.

"However, I think as long as the two militaries are focused on developing capabilities against each other, it will be very difficult to make significant progress toward reducing suspicions and building mutual trust," Glaser said.