U.S. Hopes for Transparency with China's Military

March 2, 2008 — -- The U.S. is hooking up a military hotline directly to China, like the one the country used to have with the Russians during the Cold War, ABC News has learned exclusively.

The news says a lot about the fastest growing military in the world, as some question whether China is a friend or foe of the U.S.

ABC News got an inside look at China's military headquarters. The Bayi, which basically is the Chinese Pentagon, is an organization so secretive it didn't even have a published phone number until recently. Even now, it doesn't have a spokesperson.

Though some worry about the might of China's army, which is the fastest growing military in the world, but one top Chinese general said Americans shouldn't be worried.

"There is such a big gap between our military and the American military. If you say you are afraid, it means that you don't have enough courage," said he said.

Even by the Pentagon's estimates, China spends only about one-quarter of what the U.S. spends on defense. Still China's military is growing every bit as fast as its economy and some analysts said it's the quickest military build-up in history.

"The Chinese military is developing impressive capabilities. We are watching carefully," said Admiral Timothy Keating, who as the commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific keeps an eye on China.

Keating has traveled throughout China in order to get to know its generals, but the problem is that the Chinese military is so secretive it's impossible to know what they are doing.

The Chinese have extended an olive branch. The country insisted when Keating flies over Chinese airspace he takes one of its planes.

"They have been quite firm that we fly on their airplane inside their territorial airspace," Keating said. "[It's] understandable."

The sight of Chinese and American officials flying around together may be odd, but it gives China the chance to show its hospitality and also let's the Chinese watch Keating while he's in the country.

When Keating landed, the admiral said goodbye to China's top commander in the south, but not before making an extraordinary offer: