US general says allies key to counter China in Pacific
Sydney (AFP) - The United States will rely on allies rather than a major expansion of its own forces to counter any Chinese military risk in the Pacific, a US general has told AFP. Beijing enjoys "very clear" advantages in the region, said Major General Joseph Ryan, commander of the 12,000-strong 25th Infantry Division on Oahu, Hawaii. He cited China's expanding military defences, its long-range rocket missile capability and the ease with which it can position forces and equipment in the Pacific. By contrast, in the event of conflict, the United States and its allies would have to traverse int...