Nuclear Thunder: Inside Xi’s Rapid Military Surge – Pentagon’s 2023 Report Unveils China’s Strategic Buildup

China’s military modernization and technological advances are featured in the Pentagon’s 2023 China Military Power Report. In his October 2022 speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his commitment to the PLA’s 2027 milestone, emphasizing automation, informatization, and intelligence. It may help the PLA support the CCP’s Taiwan unification efforts.

Photo from Atlantic Council

China’s Precision Power Play: Unveiling Multi-Domain Warfare and Hypersonic Missile Mastery

In 2022, the PLA used “Multi-Domain Precision Warfare (MDPW).” This technique swiftly finds U.S. operational system weaknesses using big data and AI. Multidomain PLA forces will target these vulnerabilities with precision.

The research suggests China may develop conventionally armed intercontinental-range missile systems that may strike Hawaii, Alaska, and the continental US. PLA publications say precision weapons are force multipliers and “war control” to prevent escalation.

China has an effective Integrated Air Defense System on land and within 300 nautical miles of the coast. DF-17 Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) has changed the PLA’s missile force and targets Western Pacific adversary military locations and fleets.

READ ALSO: Unveiling Chinese Intrigue Through A US Navy Sailor’s Sentencing – Charting The Path For America’s Response

Space Dominance, Nuclear Prowess, and Strategic Moves Raise Global Alarms

China’s space capabilities are growing with space-based ISR, surveillance, and counter space. Research expects over 1,000 functional nuclear warheads by 2030 and over 500 by May 2023 with increased preparedness.

PLA deployments to Scarborough Reef and Thitu Island indicate their presence in contentious South China Sea locations. China wants military logistics facilities in Cambodia, Burma, Thailand, and others.

China shipped $12 million in commercial drones to Russia between March 2022 and 2023. After the Russian military used Chinese drones in Ukraine, Beijing regulated civilian drones in August 2023. China’s military development, technological advancements, and strategic ambitions in contested regions generate geopolitical concerns.

READ ALSO: A Snapshot Of Global Affairs In A Turbulent Week