Rumsfeld said that China’s military modernization is “perfectly appropriate,” yet improving its strategic strike capabilities—in particular long-range missiles—“gives us questions.” Apparently eager to assuage any concerns, the Chinese took Rumsfeld to the headquarters of its Strategic Rocket Forces. It was the first time, said Chinese officials, that foreign visitors had been allowed in the compound.
A new report from the Government Accountability Office calls for the Pentagon’s Chief Technology Officer to have budget certification authority over the military services’ research and development accounts—a move the services say would add a burdensome and unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.
