Officials Cool to Idea for China Military Ties

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Byline: Bill Gertz, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Several members of Congress oppose an admiral's proposal to ease restrictions on military exchanges with China, a move they say could boost Beijing's forces and runs counter to a policy the Pentagon openly supports.

Adm. William Fallon, the commander of Pacific forces, sees the move as a way to prompt Beijing to be more transparent about its military buildup and to increase mutual understanding and thus avoid any "miscalculation," said Capt. Jeff Alderson, a Pacific Command spokesman.

Adm. Fallon raised the issue with reporters on Monday in Shenyang, China, where he ended a four-day visit. Pentagon spokesmen had no …