China an IT threat

The Chinese military is developing tools and programs to disrupt electronic systems and deface Web pages during times of attack, according to a Department of Defense report released in mid July to Congress.

Within the next decade, China may have tools that will jam electronics in guidance, altimeter, fire control, communications, navigation and other critical missile and aircraft subsystems through the use of high-powered radio frequencies, according to the "Annual Report on the Military Power of the People's Republic of China."

The country also may be developing jammers that can be used against global positioning system receivers and may also contract with Russia to build a high-powered microwave system to target electronics in guided weapons.

The report, completed as a requirement of the fiscal 2000 National Defense Authorization Act, reviews the state and probable future of military technological development of the Chinese army. The report is available online at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jul2002/d20020712china.pdf.