Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed his concern over China’s “intentions and continued arms buildup” during a hearing last week. Hunter acknowledged recent overtures by US Pacific Command as showing “positive potential for cooperation,” however he questioned Beijing’s continued augmentation of forces near the Taiwan Strait and its drive to acquire weapons with regional and global range. Both these actions, he said, “threaten Pacific stability.” The Pentagon’s assistant secretary for international security affairs, Peter Rodman, reprised the meat of DOD’s latest report on China’s military power, and said that “statesmanship on both sides” will win the day. For its part, the Defense Intelligence Agency—in the form of Mark Cozad, China forces senior intelligence officer—believes Beijing’s “ability to project and sustain military power beyond its borders remains limited.”
The Air Force is investigating after a Tactical Air Control Party instructor died Oct. 17 from injuries suffered during what appeared to be an uncontrolled descent during a rappelling demonstration at a college football game in San Antonio, Texas. Officials also identified the Airman as Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson.