May 27 2013

U.S. Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel, on Saturday accused China of waging cyber espionage against the United States, raising pressure on Beijing over the issue ahead of a key summit between their leaders. Speaking at a Singapore security forum attended by senior chinese military officials, The Pentagon Chief, pointedly blamed the chinese government and armed forces for repeatedly intruding into sensitive U.S. informations and strategic corporations. Mr Hagel had said, " The United States has expressed our concerns about growing threat of cyber intrusions, some of which appear to be tied to the chinese government and military."

Hagel pressed Beijing to adhere to "international norms of responsible behaviour in cyberspace", while acknowledging that the establishment of a joint cyber security working group was a positive step in fostering dialogue.

The Singapore conference took place ahead of the June 7-8 meeting between US President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in California, the first meeting between the two leaders since Xi took office in March.

Hagel's remarks came just days after China's defence ministry dismissed a Pentagon report accusing Chinese hackers of accessing US weapons designs. "First they underestimate the security defence capabilities of the Pentagon and second they underestimate the intelligence of the Chinese people," it said.

In his speech, Hagel insisted that Washington's military "rebalance" towards Asia-Pacific -- a policy announced at the forum last year by his predecessor Leon Panetta -- will not be affected by cuts in US military spending. He said the US Air Force had allocated 60 percent of its overseas-based forces to the region including tactical aircraft and bombers. Hagel added that 2,500 US Marines will eventually be deployed to Australia each year as part of the effort.

Last year, Washington announced a major naval deployment to Asia, including the rotation of up to four Littoral Combat Ships -- newly developed vessels designed for coastal operations -- to Singapore, a staunch US supporter. Hagel said Washington remained concerned "over the potential for dangerous miscalculations or crises" arising from competing territorial claims in Asia.

During this forum, christened the Shangri-La Dialogue, Mr Chuck Hagel announced new milestones achieved by the U.S. Military. He announced that the U.S. had tested a jet Drone from an aircraft carrier.

Hagel said the U.S. would commit 60% of its overseas-based aircraft and airmen to the Asia Pacific in an effort to re-balance the military prescence in that region.

Furthermore "virginia-based" Fast attack submarines would be deployed to the region, according Mr Hagel.  

Mnj