Military spending: Will ask, should tell

• Source: Global Times
• [03:29 March 05 2010]
• Comments

Jumbo military projects, such as spacecraft and aircraft carrier, interest everybody and generate a strong sense of pride, but the information available is scarce. In the absence of proper dis-semination of relevant information, there is much speculation and, sometimes, ill-intended rumor.

Understandably, certain restraints have to be applied to military transparency, but the government can make clear the off-limit zone with explicit legislation. It is also part of the comprehensive effort to improve government information authority and credibility through more administrative transparency.

More open information is the best way of making China's strategic intention understood, and reducing the risk of misjudgment.