China's increasingly prickly relations with Australia were intensified in May when Mr Rudd unveiled a defence white paper suggesting that China was now Australia's biggest strategic threat.

ECONOMIST: Australia and China: With a little understanding | The

The white paper adds no new conditions to existing ones for the possible use of force against Taiwan, and much of the white paper concentrates on China's military backwardness.

ECONOMIST: China and Taiwan: Behind the smiles | The

In its defence white paper released on Tuesday, China accused the US of destabilising the region by strengthening its military alliances.

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The Australian Defense White Paper properly recognizes the threat posed by China to Australia's national security and also highlights the adverse impact it could have on U.S. naval and Marine forces in the Western Pacific.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Underestimating China

Thursday's People's Daily says China has opened up markets in manufacturing, agriculture and service industries, citing a White Paper released by the State Council.

BBC: China morning round-up: WTO membership marked

The white paper also ignores unending attempts by the American military to forge closer relations with China and to be as transparent as possible about U.S. defense capabilities, relationships and operations.

WSJ: Michael Auslin: Beijing's Paranoid Worldview

On a recent visit to Australia, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus downplayed the threat posed by China's rapid modernization of its military forces, highlighted in Australia's 2009 Defense White Paper.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Underestimating China