What We Know:
A new Pentagon report on China’s military capability has indicated a sharp rise in nuclear weapons that exceeded the Pentagon’s original projections. There is also concern about the creation of a new intercontinental missile system using conventional arms that would be able to hit targets in Hawaii, Alaska, and the continental U.S.
This report was released a month before President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to meet during an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The report published by the Pentagon is one way to measure the capabilities of China, which has implications for U.S. national security as well as regional stability.
Why It Matters:
China has quickly grown into one of the largest threats to U.S. national security over the years. They have made moves to destabilize the region and force the nations within to their rule. The U.S. has said it will defend Taiwan if attacked and has increased its intelligence presence in the area. The U.S. has also signed mutual security and defense agreements with many of the nations in the South China Sea.
A large part of national security for both countries is their nuclear arsenal. With China increasing their arsenal it is not only an increased deterrence for U.S. intervention, but it also puts pressure on the U.S. to expand their arsenal as well.
China has held multiple naval exercises practicing its logistical abilities to maintain control of Taiwan straight. The build-up of their arsenal is likely related to their ultimate goal of bringing Taiwan back into the fold.
What’s Next:
There is little chance of China stopping its expansion. It is expected that more reports will show increasing numbers of nuclear weapons as well as overall military expansion. Chinese aggression in the region will grow as their power does as well.
A lot of investment in intelligence and defense contracts will go to the South China Sea and the countries within. More naval and military exercises can also be expected as both countries try to deter the other with a show of force.
This is an ongoing international event.
