China’s military expansion and emphasis on psychological warfare represent a significant threat to U.S. influence and global stability, as China’s strategy seeks to reshape the international order.
China’s Strategic Military Expansion
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) aims to reshape the global order through a comprehensive military buildup. The 2024 China Military Power Report, due for release in December, underscores China’s position as a major competitor and highlights its intent to achieve the “great rejuvenation” by 2049. With over 600 operational nuclear warheads and projections to exceed 1,000 by 2030, China’s rapid expansion poses a growing challenge to global stability.
The Evolution of China's Military Power: Shaping a New Strategic Balance
China’s military modernization over the past few decades has been transformative, transitioning from an overwhelmingly land-centric force into a multi-domain powerhouse capable of asserting regional… pic.twitter.com/YFdAaKkOY6
— Niels Groeneveld (@nigroeneveld) November 10, 2024
The Chinese Communist Party has expanded its missile arsenal, adding 50 new intercontinental ballistic missiles and 300 medium-range ones. In the Indo-Pacific region, the PLA is enhancing capabilities to counter U.S. presence and aims for modernization by 2027.
Every time I hear the "China's military build up is the biggest since 1945" line I think – really? Bigger than either the Soviets or US during the Cold War? Turns out someone checked and…it isn't. But let's not let facts get in the way of a good time. https://t.co/bdmZozBANu
— Benjamin Zala (@DrBeeZee) February 19, 2024
The Evolution of China's Military Power: Shaping a New Strategic Balance
China’s military modernization over the past few decades has been transformative, transitioning from an overwhelmingly land-centric force into a multi-domain powerhouse capable of asserting regional… pic.twitter.com/YFdAaKkOY6
— Niels Groeneveld (@nigroeneveld) November 10, 2024
Psychological and Gray Zone Warfare
China’s approach includes “Three Warfares” to influence decision-making and public perception. Psychological warfare is central to cognitive tactics aimed at exploiting vulnerabilities. According to army sources, gray-zone activities are designed to remain below conventional conflict thresholds. The 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley between Chinese and Indian troops is a notable example of this strategy.
“Gray zone conflict is best understood as an activity that is coercive and aggressive in nature, but that is deliberately designed to remain below the threshold of conventional military conflict and open interstate war.” – Hal Brands
China employs “cognitive warfare” to manipulate information and undermine adversaries’ decision-making processes. These strategies raise the stakes for international cooperation, particularly concerning Taiwan and the Philippines, where pressure is mounting.
U.S. Strategic Concerns and Responses
As China progresses, the U.S. confronts fiscal challenges affecting national security, with $5.4 trillion spent on the global war on terror. This diverted resources from countering China’s threat, leaving vulnerabilities. The U.S. must modernize its nuclear arsenal, expand missile defenses, and restore maritime capability. Addressing these areas is critical to counter China’s ambitions and maintain influence in global affairs.
“The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is undertaking an unprecedented military buildup to challenge America and its allies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. And, like Nazi Germany’s buildup in the 1930s, the militarization program ordered by the Chinese Communist Party isn’t simply a great power buildup—it’s a weapon in service of a deadly ideology.” Chuck DeVore.
The U.S. must make strategic cuts within the Pentagon to address the fiscal crisis and rebuild essential capabilities to counter China’s growing military threat.