Politics January 03,2025 | Independence Journal Editorial Team

China’s Military Buildup Targets US Superiority In Indo-Pacific

China is accelerating a massive military buildup aimed at challenging U.S. dominance, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Recent reports reveal that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is expanding both its conventional arsenal and psychological warfare capabilities, signaling its intent to undermine American power.

The Department of Defense’s 2024 China Military Power Report highlights rapid advancements in China’s missile programs. The PLA Rocket Force now possesses 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking the U.S., over 300 medium-range missiles, and hypersonic systems like the DF-27. These developments, combined with a nuclear arsenal projected to exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030, underscore China’s strategic ambitions.

Equally concerning is China’s adoption of “cognitive warfare,” a strategy leveraging advanced artificial intelligence to manipulate adversaries. Tactics include creating deepfake videos to spread disinformation and polarize societies, as well as deploying tools like TikTok to undermine trust in U.S. leadership among allies. PLA researchers are also developing voice synthesis technologies for targeted psychological operations.

China’s stated timelines include military readiness to act against Taiwan by 2027 and achieving global military dominance by 2049. However, these milestones may intentionally downplay China’s current capabilities to mislead adversaries and delay countermeasures.

Meanwhile, America’s fiscal challenges threaten its ability to counter China’s growing strength. Rebuilding the Navy, modernizing the nuclear arsenal, and expanding missile defenses will require significant investment. Experts argue that reforms within the Pentagon, including cutting bureaucracy and streamlining procurement processes, are necessary to reallocate resources effectively.

President-elect Donald Trump’s team has emphasized the urgency of rebuilding America’s military capabilities. With key positions filled by national security experts, the administration plans to prioritize naval strength, advanced missile defense systems, and logistics to address the growing threat from Beijing.

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