China defense chief says military hardware drive no threat

Jan 9 (Reuters) - China's military technology lags decades behind the world's most advanced armed forces and does not threaten any country, the Chinese defense minister said on Monday after talks with Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Gates's visit from Sunday to Wednesday comes a week before Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit to Washington.

"The efforts that we place on the research and development of weapons systems are by no means targeted at any third country or any other countries in the world, and it will by no means threaten any other country in the world," Chinese Minister of Defense Liang Guanglie told reporters after talks with Gates.

U.S. officials have noted quick advances in China's anti-ship ballistic missile programme, which could challenge U.S. aircraft carriers. China may also be preparing to launch its first aircraft carrier in 2011, faster than some estimates, and new photos indicate it has a prototype of a stealth fighter jet.
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Mayor Daley Weighs In On Brother's New Job, Says There's No 'Chicago Mafia' In The White House

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley weighed in on his brother's new gig Thursday, and reportedly scoffed at the suggestion that President Obama has installed a "Chicago mafia" in the White House.
The mayor's brother William Daley was named the new White House chief of staff by the president Thursday afternoon. During a press conference about after school programs, Mayor Daley told reporters he was "honored" that his brother would be playing such an important role in the White House.
"We are tired of partisan politics in Washington," the mayor said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. "And that is the message. Let's get down to business, let's roll up our sleeves, lets' talk about after school programs, let's talk about technology, let's talk about jobs. And that's what he's [Bill Daley] going to get back to."
Read more: Mayor Daley Weighs In On Brother's New Job, Says There's No 'Chicago Mafia' In The White House