BEIJING - A Pentagon report on China's "secretive" drive to transform itself into a major military power, was brushed aside by Chinese experts on Monday as "unprofessional", guilty of ambiguity and inconsistencies.

"China has been doing its best to improve its military transparency, and it will continue to do so. But the decision will only be made by China itself, taking into account its national security," said Shi Yinhong, a senior scholar on international relations at Renmin University of China.

In recent years the People's Liberation Army has issued its own reports on its makeup and mission and has also engaged with the armed forces of other nations through port visits, peacekeeping missions, and joint drills. Diplomats say they hope that these will help calm fears over the motivation behind China's military buildup.