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China boosts ability to fight wars: US newspaper

WASHINGTON: China's military has a new battle management system that enables Beijing to improve its ability to fight wars using combined army, navy and air forces, The Washington Times newspaper reported on Thursday.

The report said details of the new war-fighting capabilities were contained in a classified Defence Intelligence Agency finding.

According to the newspaper, China's newest satellite, launched in January, is a military communications satellite and a major component of the country's first integrated command, control, communications, computer and intelligence system.

The new system gives the Chinese military new capabilities for coordinating and supporting its growing force of modern aircraft, ships, submarines and ground forces, the Times said.

China has this week waged an escalating war of words over reunification with Taiwan, threatening military action.

With just two days left before Taiwan's voters go to the polls to elect a new president, Beijing has reminded the island it sees as a renegade province, that it will not hesitate to use force if the winner moves toward independence.

U.S. Defence Secretary William Cohen in Japan on Thursday urged the two rivals to settle their differences peacefully.-Reuters