China Commission Cites “Negative” Trends: The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission released its 2005 annual report to Congress, concluding that a number of trends in the bi-national relationship have “negative implications” for long-term US national security and economic interests. The commission, a bipartisan group established by Congress in 2000, notes that the relationship between the two nations has grown “increasingly complex.” In addition to criticizing China’s currency manipulation, the report asks the President to use executive power to freeze assets of Chinese companies involved in WMD proliferation and states there is an “urgent need” for Congress to encourage an increase in US military capability in the Western Pacific region. The report recommends the US foster additional confidence-building measures between the respective militaries.
Air Force Global Strike Command has finished collecting a second round of test samples looking for hazardous chemicals at its three intercontinental ballistic missile bases and plans to expand testing to Vandenberg Space Force Base early next year, officials said Dec. 1.