US Vice President Dick Cheney claimed today that recent moves by China were "not consistent" with its stated aim of a peaceful rise as a global power.
Speaking in Sydney, Cheney also expressed wariness about North Korea's commitment to a deal announced last week on ending the country's nuclear programs.
Mr Cheney praised China for playing an "especially important" role in the six-nation talks that resulted in the North Korea deal, under which the North is to seal its main nuclear reactor and allow international inspections in exchange for fuel oil.
"Other actions by the Chinese government send a different message," Mr Cheney told the Australian-American Leadership Dialogue, a private organisation that promotes ties between the two countries.
"Last month's anti-satellite test, China's continued fast-paced military buildup are less constructive and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise," he said.
As anti-war demonstrators clashed with police outside the hotel where Mr Cheney was speaking, the vice president also expressed gratitude to Australia for sending troops to the Iraq war, which he said must be won or terrorists would be emboldened worldwide.
AP