China Military Demand Beats Supply

Those who worry about the rise of a Chinese superpower can take comfort in this revelation: The burgeoning Asian country can't seem to develop a weapons industry capable of supporting its growing demands. Experts say it could take decades for China to catch up to the United States and produce a much-feared ballistic missile system able to strike far beyond its shores. "They have a long tradition of overestimating their capabilities," said one defense expert in Beijing. For now, China must go begging to Russia for engines and other sophisticated weaponry.