China Releases 2008 Defense White Paper

Not surprisingly it shows an increase in spending, and far more focus on the application of the military in non warfare situations than the US military.

The Chinese see the use of their military in peacekeeping and aid situations as a necessary adjunct to their diplomacy, while the US military does its level best to stay within the bounds of "kinetic" warfare.

Certainly, China sees its military as a way to increase its diplomatic status and prestige.

Still, it's an interesting picture of what really is the only near term meaningful military rival.