'Chinese military modernisation is focused on defeating America in Asia'

China has fundamentally altered the physical and political landscape in the strategic South China Sea — through militarisation and large-scale land reclamation, a top American admiral has claimed.

Chinese military modernisation is focused on defeating the US in Asia by countering US asymmetric advantages, Admiral Harry Harris, Commander of US Pacific Command told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing.

"North Korea continues to disregard UN sanctions by developing and threatening to use intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons that will threaten the US Homeland," Harris said.

"China has fundamentally altered the physical and political landscape in the South China Sea+ through large scale land reclamation and by militarising these reclaimed features," Harris said.

He said China continues to press Japan in the East China Sea, stepping up diplomatic and economic pressure against Taiwan, and methodically trying to supplant US influence with "our friends and allies in the region". "Furthermore, China is rapidly building a modern, capable military that appears to far exceed its stated defensive purpose or potential regional needs. China's military modernisation is focused on defeating the US in Asia by countering US asymmetric advantages," Harris alleged.

China's military modernisation cannot be understated, especially when one considers the Communist regime's lack of transparency and apparent strategy,

he said, adding that China is committed to developing a hypersonic glide weapon and advanced cyber and anti-satellite capabilities that present direct threats to the Homeland. "China's near-term strategy is focused on building up combat power and positional advantage to be able to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight while asserting de facto sovereignty over disputed maritime features and spaces in the region," the top American commander said.

Harris said the rapid transformation of China's military into a high-tech force capable of regional dominance and a growing ability to support aspirations for global reach is concerning.