Chinese bombers are likely training for strikes against US and allied targets in the Pacific, according to a new Pentagon report.

French news Agency “Agence France-Presse” published, Pentagon’s annual report to Congress. The report, released on 16 August, highlights China's growing military, economic and diplomatic clout.

In the case of China's air power, the report states that Chinese bombers are developing capabilities to hit targets as far from China as possible.

Noting how China is pushing its operations out into the Pacific, the document states: ‘Over the last three years, the PLA (People's Liberation Army) has rapidly expanded its overwater bomber operating areas, gaining experience in critical maritime regions and likely training for strikes against US and allied targets.’

In August 2017, six Chinese H-6K bombers (Xian HY-6)  flew through the Miyako Strait in the southwest of the Japanese islands, and then for the first time turned north to fly east of Okinawa, where 47,000 US troops are based.

According to the Pentagon, the PLA in April 2017 undertook a massive transformation of operational and tactical units as part of its structural reforms.

With nearly a million troops, the PLA is the largest standing ground force in the world.