China: New Report

 A recently published U.S. military report identifies China as the most significant potential threat for the U.S. military in the future and discloses new details of what it describes as Beijing’s efforts to build political influence and military power along the strategic oil-shipping route from the Middle East to China – a so-called “string of pearls” strategy.

The report, “Joint Operating Environment 2008,” was produced by the Norfolk-based U.S. Joint Forces Command. It lists China as the main emerging nation-state threat that U.S. forces could confront in a future conflict, along with potential threats from Russia, the Middle East and other places in Asia. It was made public Nov. 25.

String of Pearls (Chinese political influence or military presence astride oil routes) — Pakistan: Gwadar Naval Base and surveillance facilities; Sri Lanka: Hamantota container port; Bangladesh: Upgraded port facility; Myanmar: Chittagong port facility, commercial naval base, Surveillance facility, Transportation corridor; Thailand: Kra canal; China: Hainan Island airfield and port; Woody Island airfield; South China Sea oil drilling and survey