The United States has long been recognized for possessing the world’s most capable military, supported by a network of allies unmatched by any other nation. This advantage didn’t happen overnight but was built over generations. Yet, as new global threats emerge, particularly from an increasingly assertive China, we may be taking that advantage for granted.
China’s growing military capabilities pose a serious challenge, with the U.S. homeland increasingly at risk. From spy balloons over South Carolina to the construction of espionage bases in Cuba, Beijing’s ability to undermine U.S. security is more evident than ever. Despite these challenges, some in Congress continue to prioritize arbitrary defense budget caps over the strategic needs of our military. This approach could embolden adversaries and jeopardize the security of the American people.
Historically, the U.S. relied on the protection provided by vast oceans to its east and west, with weak neighbors to the north and south. This “moat” theory of national security has become outdated in the age of modern technology. Cyber threats, advanced satellites, and drones can now bypass geographic barriers, while new surveillance tools like Chinese balloons and drones over sensitive U.S. sites demonstrate the vulnerabilities of our once-secure borders.
China, once labeled merely a “pacing challenge,” has evolved into a peer military competitor. The country now boasts the world’s largest navy, coast guard, army, and submarine-based missile forces. Its air force surpasses that of the U.S. in numbers, and its rapidly advancing space capabilities are a growing concern for the U.S. Space Force. Within the next decade, China is expected to possess more nuclear-armed intercontinental missiles than the U.S. or Russia, further escalating the military competition.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military is shrinking. Despite being the global leader in military technology, the U.S. Army is at its smallest since World War II, the Navy is half the size it was during the Cold War, and the Air Force’s fleet is aging rapidly. Years of budgetary uncertainty and arbitrary spending caps have led to a decline in the size and readiness of U.S. forces, leaving the country vulnerable in a world where military strength matters more than ever.
China has consistently increased its defense budget, while the U.S. has struggled to match that commitment. While the U.S. military is spread thin globally, China’s strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific allows it to build its power without having to match the overall size and reach of the U.S. forces. This focus makes the Indo-Pacific region a critical point of contention, as it’s essential to global trade and the economic interests of the U.S.
A strong military is the U.S.’s best defense against global instability. If we fail to project power abroad and adequately support our allies, we risk signaling weakness to Beijing, which could embolden the regime to take more aggressive actions, such as invading Taiwan. The best way to avoid such a conflict is to ensure that China never doubts our strength or resolve in the first place.
The challenges ahead require more than just maintaining military superiority—it requires the commitment to investing in the capabilities necessary to meet growing threats. If we allow China to overtake the U.S. militarily, we risk global conflict and economic destabilization. Now, more than ever, is the time for decisive leadership and a focus on strengthening our military to preserve peace and maintain our position as the world’s dominant power.
