China may need a bigger military budget to match its growing global presence.
In an effort to justify high defense budgets and military supremacy, the United States seems to be making an imaginary enemy out of China.
Given upcoming leadership transitions and elections in both China and the United States, the increasing U.S. attention to the Asia-Pacific region, and China’s growing global presence, Hu Jintao's upcoming trip to Washington has particular significance for U.S.-China relations.