Free Trade feeds the PRC military monster

[TR_GOP]

Defense Industry publication from earlier this year;

China’s Official Military Budget to Grow by 17.6% in 2008

Aircraft carrier expected to be in service in 2010

Military modernization programs appear to be accelerating in step, including reports that China’s navy has already announced plans to build its first aircraft carrier by 2010.

Likely two carriers, one purchased from Ukraine under the premise it was merely their new floating casino,

The sale of Varyag for US$20 million was announced on 17 March 1998 for conversion to an entertainment complex and casino. The Chinese company -- Agencia Turistica e Diversoes Chong Lot Limitada, a small company registered in Macau -- agreed that the ship would not be used for military purposes, which reflected the fact that much of its equipment had either never been installed or had been already been removed.

Kuznetsov Class - Project 1143.5

Seems somebody changed their mind. Instead of conversion it's being refitted for duty
http://www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/varyag_clear_3.jpg

Reportedly there's also a clean sheet design in the works, so actually there are two carrier programs underway. The former Soviet Navy carrier for 2010 with the Chinese supercarrier(s) to follow;

China to build 93,000-ton atomic-powered aircraft carrier:
Vessel to be on par with latest U.S. carrier, according to data

source close to Chinese military affairs said on March 27 that China has been promoting the construction of a 93,000-ton atomic-powered carrier under a plan titled the "085 Project." The nation also has a plan to build a 48,000-ton non-nuclear-powered carrier under the so-called "089 Project," added the source.

The source made such remarks based on government a dossier that reveals that China’s Central Military Commision recently approved the two projects. The dossier also contained specifications of the aircraft carriers.

China had so far been known to be pushing ahead with construction of a non-nuclear-powered carrier, but not an atomic-powered one.

Once the proposed Chinese carriers are deployed, the radius of the Chinese Navy’s range is expected to reach Guam, where a U.S. base is located. Thus, military experts are worried about China’s moves prompting an arms race in Northeast Asia.

China to build 93,000-ton atomic-powered aircraft carrier: source : International : Home

Since "Free Trade" has make the PRC rich it's a pretty logical course of action. I wonder if they'll use them for peacekeeping duty? Sooner or later the new world's superpower is going to be democratic, right? That was one of the "Free Trade" selling points..