Expanded Global Militarization by China According to New Pentagon Report: Significant Growth in China's Military Influence Worldwide
Revamped Review:
Chris Gordon: The People's Republic of China has managed to boost its global influence, despite allegations of corruption and a stagnating economy, according to the Pentagon's annual assessment.
This growth includes a steadily expanding nuclear arsenal, which grew by 100 warheads in the past year. This swell is projected to hit over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, with the force continuing to flourish till 2035, as stated in last year's report.
Chinese leaders view themselves as a global power with global security interests, requiring military capabilities fitting the challenge. Speaking ahead of the December 18 report release, a senior defense official explained this sentiment.
The Pentagon's annual China Military Power Report emphasizes a dramatic increase in the People's Liberation Army's nuclear, space, missile, and aviation capabilities in recent years. The report shows that China wishes to establish the ability to operate militarily beyond the First Island Chain, stretching from Japan to the Philippines, including self-governing Taiwan, which Beijing considers a rebellious province.
Such global presence is seen as essential for China's international engagements aimed at creating a favorable environment for the nation's rejuvenation. Despite the sacking of the defense minister due to corruption charges and a slowing economy, experts agree that China's leader, Xi Jinping, remains committed to modernizing the military.
In addition to nuclear efforts, China is also beefing up in multiple areas. In space, the nation is focusing on nullifying the U.S. advantage in orbiting assets through a range of space weapons known as counterspace capabilities. In air, China's airforce is working towards developing long-range capabilities, with joint bomber drills with Russia off Alaska, as China seeks to expand its overseas operating locations.
In terms of numbers, China's combined PLA Air Force and PLA Navy constitute the largest aviation forces in the region and the third largest worldwide, with over 3,150 total aircraft, including around 2,400 combat aircraft. China's air force's goal is to become a strategic air force capable of long-range airpower projection.
Despite these advancements, China faces internal challenges. More than a few high-ranking military officers and defense industry executives were removed from their posts due to corruption allegations, which the report suggests might have disrupted progress towards 2027 modernization goals.
China continues to push boundaries, building a diverse nuclear force, enhancing space capabilities, developing counterspace weapons, and increasing aviation and carrier power, all while challenging US dominance in key sea lanes and strategic Pacific locations—especially as it seeks to push US forces away from the First Island Chain and into contesting access to the Second Island Chain.
Enrichment Insights:
The Pentagon's 2024 China Military Power Report reveals China's strategic intent to challenge US dominance in the Pacific, particularly the First and Second Island Chains, by expanding its naval power, enhancing nuclear capabilities, and increasing global reach through space, cyber, and aviation operations. China's military aspirations are multi-domain, with a focus on countering US space-based assets, bolstering expeditionary and carrier-based air power, and developing a nuclear triad to secure regional and global control. Despite facing challenges such as corruption scandals and economic uncertainties, China persistently works towards modernizing its military to ensure long-term security and influence. The strategic deployment of forces and exercises often occurs during moments of U.S. political or economic distraction, signaling China's strength and resolve in the geopolitical arena.
- The People's Liberation Army's nuclear, space, missile, and aviation capabilities have significantly increased in recent years, according to the Pentagon's annual China Military Power Report.
- In a statement prior to the release of the December 18 report, a senior defense official explained that Chinese leaders view themselves as a global power with global security interests.
- China's airforce is working towards developing long-range capabilities, with joint bomber drills with Russia off Alaska, as China seeks to expand its overseas operating locations.
- In space, China is focusing on nullifying the U.S. advantage in orbiting assets through a range of space weapons known as counterspace capabilities.
- Despite facing corruption scandals and economic uncertainties, China persistently works towards modernizing its military to ensure long-term security and influence.
- The Pentagon's 2024 China Military Power Report suggests that China's military aspirations are multi-domain and include a focus on countering US space-based assets.
- In terms of numbers, China's combined PLA Air Force and PLA Navy constitute the largest aviation forces in the region and the third largest worldwide.
- China continues to push boundaries, building a diverse nuclear force, enhancing space capabilities, developing counterspace weapons, and increasing aviation and carrier power, all while challenging US dominance in key sea lanes and strategic Pacific locations.
