The Pentagon issued a warning on Wednesday that China’s “unprecedented” military buildup “poses a real and serious threat” to the United States and its allies.
The Department of Defense announced that John Noh, who is currently covering the duties of assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, testified at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday that China is conducting an “unprecedented military buildup” by increasing its conventional, nuclear, space, and cyber capabilities.
According to the Department of Defense, Noh told lawmakers that China intends to “dominate the Indo-Pacific region and displace the United States as the world’s most powerful nation.” Noh also warned lawmakers that Chinese President Xi Jinping has given the People’s Liberation Army orders to be prepared for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Noh told the House Armed Services Committee that the United States needs to “reestablish deterrence” throughout the Indo-Pacific region by investing in the U.S. defense industry, balancing the share of burdens with various allies and partners, and developing “combat-credible military forces.
Noh told the House Armed Services Committee, “Stronger allies lead to stronger alliances, and stronger alliances deter aggression and create dilemmas for our adversaries.”
Highlighting the challenges that U.S. Indo-Pacific Command faces, Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said, “Foremost among them is China’s increasingly aggressive and assertive behavior. Their unprecedented military modernization encompassing advancements in artificial intelligence, [hypersonic missiles], space-based capabilities, among others, poses a real and serious threat to our homeland, to our allies and to our partners.”
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According to the Department of Defense, Paparo said China’s People’s Liberation Army escalated operations against Taiwan by 300% in 2024. Paparo warned that China’s military actions near Taiwan are not simply military exercises but are “rehearsals.”
Paparo also explained that China’s attempt to intimidate Taiwan and demonstrate the “coercive capability” of the People’s Liberation Army through repeated military actions near Taiwan can “backfire” by “accelerating” Taiwan’s defense preparations and attracting the attention of other countries around the globe.
Paparo warned that China is currently outproducing the United States in maritime, air, and missile capability and is quickly advancing its space and counter-space capabilities. The Indo-Pacific Command commander noted that China’s military buildup presents “real and serious challenges to U.S. military superiority.
In addition to the threat of China, Paparo also warned, “North Korea’s development of advanced nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles — including a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States — poses a direct threat to our homeland and to our allies.”
“Though we face serious challenges, the joint force remains confident, resolute and determined to prevail,” Paparo added. “Deterrence remains our highest duty.”
