Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Gates Says US Moves to Counter Chinese Military Advances Defense secretary says China is on the way to developing a stealth fighter. Al Pessin | Aboard US Military Aircraft 08 January 2011 Photo: AP U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says China is further ahead in the development of a stealth fighter than U.S. intelligence had believed, and that the defense budget he presented last week is aimed partly at investing in capabilities to counter Chinaâs military advancements. The U.S. defense secretary gave his comments en route to Beijing late Saturday. Secretary Gates says he has been concerned about Chinese military advancements for some time, and U.S. intelligence underestimated at least one of them. He said, "Iâve been concerned about the development of the anti-ship cruise and ballistic missiles ever since I took this job. We knew they were working on a stealth aircraft. I think that what weâve seen is that they may be somewhat further ahead in the development of that aircraft than our intelligence had earlier predicted." Gates says there is some question about just how advanced the new Chinese jet is, and he declined to endorse the view of the U.S. Pacific commander that the new Chinese anti-ship ballistic missile is now operational. But combined with other new capabilities, including plans for an aircraft carrier, and lack of clarity about Chinese intentions, there is cause for concern. The secretary says much of the money he is saving by cutting some military programs is being put into efforts to prevent China from limiting U.S. military operations in the Pacific. Gates said, "They clearly have the potential to put some of our capabilities at risk and we have to pay attention to them. We have to respond appropriately with our own programs." Gatesâ defense budget for next year sets aside billions of dollars for investment in such capabilities as radar jammers, unmanned aircraft, modernization of existing fighters and continued work on new ones, a new long-range bomber, more ships for the Navy and a new ballistic missile launcher. Much of that would help ensure the U.S. Navy and Air Force can operate anywhere in the Pacific, regardless of Chinese efforts to prevent it. Gates also says during his three days of talks in Beijing he wants to convince Chinese leaders to open a strategic dialogue, in large part to expand U.S. understanding of how China intends to use its increasing military capabilities. But he told reporters not to expect any major announcements. Secretary Gates said, "Rather than something dramatic, some kind of a dramatic breakthrough, I think just getting some things started would be a positive outcome." Gates says the U.S. and Chinese presidents, who will meet in Washington later this month, both believe bilateral defense ties are âunderdeveloped, compared to other aspects of the relationship. He indicated that is a result of Chinese freezes of military relations to protest U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The relationship is just coming out of one such freeze, which lasted more than eight months. Gates called for a "sustained and reliable" U.S.-China defense relationship, as he and other U.S. officials have repeatedly sought for years. Gates also said he will work with Chinese leaders to find ways to prevent further provocations by North Korea, a process that will likely continue during the Washington summit. The secretary will also visit South Korea and Japan during this trip, largely to talk about enhancing military cooperation to strengthen allied capabilities against North Korea, and potentially against China, too. .